With the addition of AI and other high-tech tools, robotic-assisted surgery is transforming some operating rooms and procedures very quickly. In one study that looked at more than 100,000 patients in 73 hospitals, the use of robotic-assisted surgery for all general surgery procedures increased from 1.8% in 2012 to 15.1% in 2018 – more than eightfold.
In this issue we offer you links to some interesting articles on the topic, plus several scientific papers.
Robotics and High-Tech Tools in Surgery
The Next Generation of Robotic Surgery is Emerging: But Is It Better Than a Human?
This in-depth article published in January 2024 by Mike May in Nature Medicine looks at the history of robotic surgery; the time and money costs of robotic surgery; its pros and cons in terms of surgical quality; how robot-assisted surgery competes with the human hand; ethical issues raised by global inequalities; and more.
Read more. . .
The Robot Report: 7 Companies Transforming Orthopedics with Robot-assisted Surgery
From Stryker’s total hip replacement tool and total knee arthroplasty application to NuVasive’s Pulse integrated navigation platform for spinal surgery, this article covers some high points in the rush to robotic surgical solutions.
Read more. . .
Meet the Next Generation of Doctors – and Their Surgical Robots
“Don’t worry, your next surgeon will definitely be a human,” writes Neha Mukherjee in this October 2023 Wired article. “But just as medical students are training to use a scalpel, they’re also training to use robots designed to make surgeries easier.” The article looks at questions like: “Could someone who has played video games their whole life have an advantage when it comes to operating a surgical robot?” and “What educational benefits come from teaching using a surgical robot?”
Read more. . .
How Deep Tech Can Transform Surgery
“In recent years, the fusion of robotic platforms into the operating room has begun transforming surgical care,” writes Joseph Nathan in a Forbes article this month. “As more medical professionals integrate novel technologies like robotics into their care, more patients can access top-tier treatment with higher accuracy and improved medical outcomes. . . . Deep tech innovation focuses on developing disruptive technology that answers global challenges while merging multidisciplinary sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, biotechnology and quantum computing, among others, to create a new paradigm.”
Read more. . .
AI “Black Box” Placed in More Hospital Operating Rooms to Improve Safety
“AI-powered surveillance technology is quickly making its way into hospital operating rooms around the country, where it works to constantly collect audio, video, patient vital signs, and a wealth of other surgical data, all in the name of improving safety and efficiency,” Beth Mole wrote this month on the Ars Technica platform. “The surveillance technology has been implanted in operating rooms in over two dozen hospitals in the US and Canada so far.”
Read more. . .
“OR of the Future” Houses New Tech to View the Brain Like Never Before
In a January 2024 article on the University of Chicago Medicine website, author Grace Niewijk describes a new kind of operating room that allows neurosurgeons to combine intraoperative MRI scans and functional imaging with intraoperative CT scans and neurosurgical robots during surgery, allowing true hybrid surgeries that offer superior precision and safety.
Read more. . .
Photo by Summit Art Creations on Adobe Stock
Recent Scholarly Articles about Robotic Surgery
- Trends in the Adoption of Robotic Surgery for Common Surgical Procedures, JAMA Network Open, January 2020. This cohort study characterized trends in the use of robotic surgery for common surgical procedures. Read article . . .
- Robotic Colorectal Surgery and Future Directions, American Journal of Surgery, October 2023. “This article traces the evolution of robotic interventions in colorectal surgeries, highlighting both its historical milestones and anticipated future trends. We’ll also explore emerging robotic tools and systems set to reshape the colorectal surgical arena.” Read article . . .
- Research Progress and Development Trend of Surgical Robot and Surgical Instrument Arm, International Journal of Medical Robotics and Computer-Assisted Surgery, July 2021. “In this paper, the development of surgical robots in different operations is reviewed and analyzed. . . The current research progress of robotic surgical instrument arms used in different operations is analyzed and summarized.” Read article . . .
- Robotic Surgical Systems in Urology: What is Currently Available?, Investigative and Clinical Urology, January 2021. “Urologists were early adopters of robotic technology and the indications of robot-assisted surgery in urology are expanding. Over the last 20 years, the da Vinci surgical system was the dominant system in the robotic surgical market. However, the recent expiration of Intuitive patents has allowed new systems to enter the market more freely. . . . A new robotic era is rising, and new systems and technologies enhancing patient care are welcomed.” Read article . . .
In The Spotlight: Armando Capote
Credentials
BSN, CNOR
Student Status
Current student in NIFA’s RNFA program
City & State
San Antonio, TX
Current Position
Surgery supervisor at Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital in San Antonio. I run the evening shift. We are very busy and I manage the case flow as well as circulate and scrub when needed.
Where did you get your RN degree?
University of Texas Health Science Center, S.A.
What made you take up nursing in the first place?
I began as a combat medic/surgical technician in the US Army. I was calm, thorough, and efficient in times of stress. I went on to attain my BSN and CNOR. Interacting with patients and families to help them feel safe and cared for is of utmost importance to me.
How did you come to choose perioperative nursing?
It was a natural transition from Army CST (Cadet Summer Training).
What is the scariest moment you’ve ever seen at the table?
It is always scary when a major vessel leaks or ruptures.
What is one technique or RNFA trick you’ve learned from NIFA that you will use for life?
When Dean taught us how to “circle” the port site.
How do you feel having your RNFA will impact your life/career?
Extremely blessed to have this opportunity as it will add to my skill set.
Jobs Front
Click here for the RNFA job postings we’ve collected for you this month.
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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are strictly those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of NIFA. NIFA does not give any express or implied warranty as to the accuracy of statements made by our contributors and does not accept any liability for error or omission. It is the responsibility of all perioperative personnel to work within and adhere to their facility bylaws and individual scope of practice.
Robotic-assisted surgery is in the news, popular culture, and perhaps in your life if you are currently working in a hospital in North America.