Introduction to Medical Robotics System
Medical robotics refers to the use of robots in surgical settings to assist doctors. As technology advances, robots are becoming smaller, smarter, and more dexterous. This allows them to take on complex surgical tasks with enhanced precision, flexibility and control. Some key areas where medical robots are used today include laparoscopy, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery and more.
Advantages of Robot-Assisted Surgery
Robotic surgery offers several advantages over traditional “open” and laparoscopic surgeries. Medical Robotic systems allow surgeons a high-definition 3D view of the surgical area with 10-12x magnification. Robotic arms provide seven degrees of freedom of movement, allowing surgeons to operate in tight spaces. Tiny wristed instruments filter hand tremors and allow surgeons enhanced control, precision and access in hard to reach areas. Studies show robotic procedures result in less blood loss, less pain and shorter hospital stays for patients compared to traditional surgeries. Robotic assistance also allows surgeries to be performed less invasively through smaller incisions.
Areas of Medical Robotics
Different types of medical robots system are commonly used in various surgical specialties:
– Laparoscopy robots such as the da Vinci Surgical System allow complex procedures like prostatectomies and hysterectomies through a few small incisions. The system’s instruments fit through ports in the abdominal wall resulting in less post-operative pain and faster recovery times.
– Orthopedic robots are used for hip and knee replacements, facilities precisely milling bone and placing implants for a more consistent result. Exoskeleton robots also aid in physical therapy and rehabilitation of joints.
– Neurosurgical robots provide an accurate, tremor-free platform for precise operations inside the brain that require millimeter precision.Robot-assisted brain biopsies and tumor removals result in less trauma to healthy tissue.
– Heart surgery robots enable minimally invasive mitral valve repairs and coronary bypass surgeries through small chest incisions without cracking open the chest bone. This lowers risks for patients and speeds recovery.
– Spinal surgery robots help spine surgeons place screws and rods consistently during fusions to correct herniated discs, sprains or scoliosis. Precision is key to avoiding nerve damage in delicate spinal procedures.
