Each task took an average of three minutes for the ultrasound to image, the computer to map and the needle to touch the object. Using a modern ultrasound machine (the Duke researchers use one more than ten years old) and a more powerful laptop would speed the process up to about a minute. That's roughly the same amount of time that it would take a human surgeon to complete the same procedure. Where the time and money savings would come is taking out the human middle man. For example, human operators would have to perform a mammogram and send the results to a radiologist, who reads the image. The patient would then have a biopsy. The entire process can take a week or more. Optimized, robotic biopsies could cut that time down to hours. Independent robot surgeons could be used for other medical procedures as well, said Smith. Using the needle, the robot could apply local anesthetics. The needle could also be replaced with a number of different tools developed for minimally invasive surgery, clearing the way for a variety of medical procedures. "There is no limit to the way this technology could be used as long as the artificial intelligence progresses to the point where it would avoid blood vessels or nerves," said Smith. "But right now this is an early stage feasibility study." Other doctors concur. "The robotics are certainly getting more reliable," said Paul Carson, a professor of radiology at the University of Michigan. "And when you combine that with detailed imaging of the needle and its path, this is an eminently approachable technique." Both Carson and Smith agree that it will take about ten years for fully automated robotic surgery to become a reality. Like most medical technology, it will likely be more expensive than using a human surgeon, but eventually the cost-saving -- and life-saving -- technology will become widely available. Related Links: |
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