Key points from article :
Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR), a self-guiding surgical robot that can perform laparoscopic procedures in gastrointestinal surgery.
Robot can adapt its surgical plan to unexpected occurrences during a procedure, just as a human surgeon would.
It can perform a tricky surgical procedure, almost completely independently.
Advanced imaging system to easily visualize the surgical field.
Custom suturing tools to perform particularly tricky and fiddly procedures.
“We can automate one of the most intricate and delicate tasks in surgery: the reconnection of two ends of an intestine,” - Axel Krieger, one of the leaders of the study.
“...significantly better results than humans performing the same procedure.”
“Surgical tasks can be performed with more accuracy and precision in every patient independent of surgeon skill.”
Technology can pave the way for more autonomous surgical robots, with multiple benefits for patients.
Study by Johns Hopkins University published in Science Robotics.
