Artificial Intelligence (AI) has remained a buzzword in the healthcare sector for a long time. This technology employs multiple algorithms to enable machines to execute tasks in line with the human brain. Simply put, AI enables machines to mimic human intelligence in making decisions through ML-powered algorithms. Machine Learning (ML) gives AI systems the ability to learn automatically without being programmed explicitly.
AI has brought numerous applications in the healthcare domain. One of them is a surgical robot. AI has made surgical procedures more accurate and predictable. Robotic surgery is useful in all areas of surgery including oral and maxillofacial surgery. It can be useful in diabetic retinopathy, gynecologic surgery, and radiology. AI combines with Augmented Reality (AR) to provide a composite view of the surgical field along with a computer-generated image to remote surgeons during a robotic surgery procedure.
Augmented surgeries and robotics can transform the OR (Operating Room) for enhancing surgery performance. Surgeons can get the immersive experience and expanded control with additional clinical intelligence during Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) by integrating AR into robotic surgery applications. Here is how OR transforms using technological advancements.
Challenges
Monitoring of robotic surgeries and real-time tracking of surgeons in the operating room from remote locations are challenging for senior surgeons. In instances of limited access to hospitals, the emergence of pandemics, and travel restrictions, giving intraoperative guidance to surgeons remains difficult. Also, the surgeon’s workflow is not audited properly when robotic surgery takes place.
Strategy
AI-powered Tele-surgical techniques can make monitoring of surgeons and remote surgeries possible in real-time. Senior surgeons can provide intraoperative guidance through video images and telecommunication networks under the hood of surgical mentoring. AR-based techniques and computer vision can make it possible to audit the surgeon’s workflow effectively.
Outcome
AI-assisted robotic procedures could result in around five times lesser complications than the same done by surgeons traditionally. Augmented surgeries powered by robotics have also contributed to reducing the length of patient stay in the hospital. Healthcare organizations can enhance patient care during ongoing surgical procedures and post-operative phases.