In a groundbreaking medical advancement, surgeons have successfully conducted a remote surgical procedure on a pig over 9,300 kilometers away using a game controller. The experiment, which marks a significant milestone in the field of telemedicine, has paved the way for remote surgeries in resource-poor regions.
A Leap in Telemedicine Technology
The recent experiment was a collaborative effort between scientists from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Using a robotic system and a magnetic endoscope, the scientists were able to transmit real-time data from Hong Kong to Zurich through a WebSocket protocol.
Game Controller as a Surgical Tool
Surgeons in Zurich remotely monitored the surgery process and inputted instructions using a game controller. The endoscope, equipped with a series of magnets, could be manipulated by an external magnetic field. In this experiment, an old PlayStation 3 Move hand controller was used to control the magnetic field, while other demonstrations employed a PlayStation 5 hand controller.
The Surgery Process
The test was conducted on an anesthetized pig, and the surgeons in Zurich successfully manipulated the endoscope into a U-shape and obtained usable biopsy tissue from the pig’s gastric wall. Despite the significant distance, the delay remained below 300 milliseconds, allowing doctors to almost react in real-time.
Potential for Human Applications
The research team believes that this experiment demonstrates that remote surgery on humans is soon possible. Robots are already assisting surgeons in performing delicate surgeries, especially in areas such as the heart and eyes, which are particularly vulnerable.
Aiming to Help Patients in Remote Areas
The ultimate goal of this research is to help patients in remote areas receive high-quality medical services, even in the absence of local experts. This includes the potential for performing surgeries in space for astronauts.
Publication and Future Implications
The study was published on August 18 in the journal Advanced Intelligent Systems. It represents a significant leap forward in the field of telemedicine and has the potential to revolutionize the way medical care is delivered around the world.
Conclusion
The successful remote surgery using a game controller over a distance of 9,300 kilometers is a testament to the advancements in telemedicine technology. As this technology continues to evolve, it has the potential to bring high-quality medical care to patients in remote and underserved areas, making a significant impact on global health.
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