For many years, scientists from Johns Hopkins University have been working on their Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR) robotic system designed for surgical operations. The latest experiment showed that the device is ready to handle a complex and delicate operation without any human intervention.
The robot has shown particular efficiency when performing operations on soft tissues. He performed it laparoscopically, that is, acting through minimal incisions. Many procedures, such as joining the ends of the intestine to each other, require great subtlety and precision. A small mistake can cause the organ to lose its tightness, and this will cause inflammation. Soft tissues move and the surgeon needs to adjust to the current situation on the operating table.
As a result of the experiment, the STAR robot performed operations on four pigs. Compared to the results of human procedures, robotic suturing was found to be more accurate and consistent. None of the operated pigs had problems with leaky gut closure.
Such a complex operation required several innovations. Conventional surgical instruments have been modified to be used by a robotic system. STAR was also equipped with a set of near-infrared and structural light cameras to recreate a three-dimensional image of the surgical field. The device had to be programmed to create a surgical plan, taking into account the possible movement of soft tissues or emerging obstacles.
The new development proves that in the near future, robots will be able to perform operations on people on their own. At the moment, many robotic assistant systems for surgeons are used in the world, but all of them still require human participation.
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