First smart robot used in surgery

The world's first truly 'smart' robotic micro-drill has been used in a surgical operation at a university hospital in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

The surgical robot was developed by Professor Peter Brett from the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Aston University.

The smart robot does not need to be programmed or operated by a human from a computer.

According to the science news website Alpha Galileo, the robot is smart and knows full well where it must go and what it is required to accomplish.

The drill has already been tested on patients needing cochlear implants by ear, nose and throat consultant surgeon Doctor David Proops.

The operations took place at University Hospital Birmingham NHS (National Health Service) Foundation Trust.

Doctor Proops first applied the drill to the inner ear hearing organ, cochlea, and aligned it to the correct place. The robot then drilled a hole less than a millimeter in diameter to allow for the insertion of the cochlear implant.

The groundbreaking procedure has already been tested on three patients. The procedures, done with perfect precision, have been successful so far.

It is expected that this more precise means of drilling will lead to improved hearing for patients following implantation. The robotic micro-drill is also able to avoid penetrating the membrane and does not allow debris to drop into the ear.

The revolutionary micro-drill is currently only being used for cochlear implants, but the potential for a wider range of surgical applications in the future is extensive.

02 April 2007