INGENIEUR
INGENIEUR
revolutionised modern surgical practices and offer great potential for the future of healthcare .
The first robotic surgery system was developed by Intuitive Surgical Incorporated in 1999 under their brand name da Vinci Surgery System . This system was designed to provide enhanced vision , dexterity , precision and control during minimally invasive surgeries such as hysterectomies or prostate removals . The robot is controlled by a surgeon using joysticks while seated at an ergonomic console located away from the operating table . This allows for more precise movements than traditional open surgeries that require direct contact between the surgeon ’ s hands and the patient ’ s body parts . In addition to providing better visualisation through 3D imaging capabilities , robotic arms can also be programmed with predetermined moves which allow them to repeat certain tasks precisely each time they are performed .
Since its introduction more than 20 years ago , robotic surgery has continued to evolve rapidly due to its increasing popularity among surgeons worldwide . Recent advances include improved camera resolution , which provides even clearer images during procedures , new software algorithms that enable faster processing speeds , as well as increased safety features such as collision detection sensors that prevent accidental injuries when working around delicate tissues or organs . As robotics continues to be integrated into various aspects of healthcare , there is no doubt that it will become an invaluable tool in improving patient outcomes across all disciplines of medicine — from cardiology care to cancer treatments — offering unprecedented levels of accuracy while reducing recovery times .
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The potential use of artificial intelligence ( AI ) in healthcare is immense and its applications are becoming increasingly prevalent . AI has the ability to revolutionise healthcare , making it more efficient and effective while reducing costs . It can be used to enhance diagnosis accuracy , improve patient outcomes , reduce medical errors , and increase operational efficiency .
One way that AI can be used in healthcare is for automated diagnostic analysis , which would allow doctors to quickly identify diseases or conditions based on symptoms or scans , with a much higher degree of accuracy than traditional methods . This could potentially save lives , as early detection often leads to better treatment options with fewer complications down the road . Additionally , AI-driven algorithms could also help personalise treatments by utilising data from past patients who had similar diagnoses or symptoms , so that doctors have access to a larger pool of information when determining how best to proceed with treatment plans for individual patients .
Another application for AI within healthcare is in robotic surgery , which allows surgeons greater precision during operations due to increased dexterity and range-of-motion capabilities compared to traditional surgical tools . By using robotics technology , powered by advanced algorithms , surgeons can minimise collateral tissue damage while maximising their success rate at performing complex procedures such as heart transplants or bypass surgeries . Ultimately this technology will continue to improve over time , leading to improved outcomes across all areas of medicine where robots can play a role in assisting human physicians .
There is no doubt that AI , via biomedical engineering tools and resources , has great potential when it comes to improving existing practices within the healthcare system , both in terms of quality life-saving measures as well as the cost-effectiveness of the treatments offered .
In conclusion , the field of biomedical engineering has undeniably revolutionised the healthcare landscape , continually pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and creative problem-solving . Through the integration of various disciplines such as physics , chemistry , biology , mathematics , and computer science , biomedical engineering has paved the way for the many advancements that have transformed countless lives .
The remarkable progress made in artificial organ research exemplifies the transformative potential of biomedical engineering . From the discovery of X-rays in the early part of the 20 th century to the ground-breaking work in developing the artificial heart by Dr Robert Jarvik , these achievements have provided hope and improved the quality of life for patients facing critical health challenges .
26 VOL 95 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2023