Image-guided robotic interventions are surgical methods that combine advanced robotic-imaging technology to accomplish minimally invasive surgery. Both patients and physicians will benefit from this integrated technology strategy.

Imaging: Images from various modalities, such as magnetic resonance (MR) and ultrasound, direct the surgeon during image-guided surgeries. Small cameras connected to probes are small enough to fit into a minor incision. They collect images. The surgery requires a considerably smaller incision than conventional surgery if used a camera.

Robotics: Traditional surgical equipment and the surgeon's hands are too large for small incisions. Instead, the operation is carried out with thin, finger-like robotic tools. The surgeon utilizes telemanipulation to communicate and guide hand and finger movements to a robot, which can be operated by hydraulic, electronic, or mechanical means while seeing the image on the screen.

Images aid in pinpointing the exact location of the intervention. Computers are used to control robotic tools. A computerized system has the advantage of allowing a surgeon to perform surgery from anywhere in the world. This sort of long-distance surgery is still in its early stages of development.

The AI surgical robots experiments show how such procedures can save lives when a delicate operation necessitates the presence of a specially qualified surgeon in a remote location.

In addition, when doing biopsies and radiation treatments, clinicians can employ image-guided robotic interventions to more precisely target cancers.

Widespread usage of Robotic-Assisted Imaging Technology

Surgical medicine has progressed to provide in-depth and exact clinical outcomes for both doctors and patients to improve surgical workflow patterns in healthcare systems. In comparison to previous eras, the healthcare industry is incorporating more advanced, intelligent, and linked technology.

The imaging techniques segment of the worldwide robotic-assisted imaging technologies market includes products such as X-ray, CT, ultrasound, MRI, and others.

The global robotic-assisted imaging technologies market was worth $617.7 million in 2020 and is expected to increase to $2,207.8 million by the end of 2030, with a CAGR of 13.74 percent from 2021 to 2030.

What are the Types of Image-Guided Robotic Interventions? How are they Used?

Prostatectomy by Robot:

In contrast to standard surgery, which involves a single major incision of 4 to 5 inches, complete prostate removal is accomplished by a series of minor incisions. Smaller incisions mean a quicker healing time, less scarring, and a quicker return to routine activities.

Ablation Techniques for Early Cancers:

Patients with early kidney cancer can be treated with the least invasive procedures to eradicate tiny tumors using ablation techniques.

Cryoablation is a technique that employs cold energy to eliminate tumors. Doctors employ computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound imaging to insert a needle-like probe within each kidney tumor.

Once in place, the probe's tip is super-cooled to enclose the tumor in an ice ball. The tumor cells are killed by repeated freeze/thaw cycles. Heating the tumor cells and surgical excision with a robotic instrument are two other minimally invasive approaches for eradicating early kidney tumors. Many patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days.

Orthopedics:

Image-guided robotic operations are helping to improve the precision and outcomes of a variety of orthopedic surgeries. Partial knee resurfacing, for example, aims to treat only the affected parts of the knee joint. In such operations, orthopedic surgeons merge robotic surgical arms with fiber optic cameras, allowing patients to keep more of their typical healthy tissue.

Total knee replacements improved by image-guided robotic treatments, allows for perfect alignment and positioning of knee implants. Patients benefit from increased knee function, range of motion, and balance as a result of this procedure.

A 3D Near-Infrared Imagery Robot to Guide Needle Placement into Veins:

The most common medical procedures in hospitals and clinics are blood drawing and IV line placement. Finding veins and accurately putting the needle can be difficult for many individuals, resulting in patient injury. To help with these treatments, scientists are developing a portable, lightweight medical robot.

The technology uses 3D near-infrared imaging to find a suitable vein into which the needle can be implanted by the robot. The imaging hardware and software are currently being incorporated into a scaled-down version of the prototype robot. As a result, a tiny, low-cost technology will significantly increase the safety and precision of vein access.

Excision of Liver Tumors Aided by Robot-Assisted Needle Guidance:

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment that uses heat to eliminate tumors and can be a life-saving choice for patients who are not candidates for surgery. RFA has been constrained in its usage because the direct pathways made by the needles carrying tumor-killing electrodes may cause damage to organs or other delicate organs.

The large tumor also necessitates several needle incisions, which raises the risk of bleeding. To combat tissue damage caused by straight needles, NIBIB-funded researchers are designing very flexible needles that can be directed along regulated, curved pathways through tissue, allowing the removal of malignancies that are not accessible by a straight-line approach.

Swallowable capsule identifies and biopsies abnormal tissue in the esophagus:

Barrett's esophagus is a precancerous condition that requires repeated biopsies to monitor abnormal tissue. NIBIB-funded researchers are developing a pill-sized device that can be eaten to improve the management and treatment of this sickness. The pill is easily ingested by the unsedated patient and is connected to a short tether consisting of cable and optic fiber.

Laser capture microdissection is a technology that uses a laser to detect small sections of the esophagus that may show signs of disease and collect samples from that tissue. After that, the device is gently withdrawn from the patient, and the micro-samples collected are examined for visual indicators of disease as well as genetic analysis.