We are honored with the Best Innovation Award for our entry, the Intelligent Vision-based Robotic-Assisted Vitreoretinal Surgery System, at this year’s Surgical Robot Challenge at the Hamlyn Symposium on Medical Robotics.
Our project addresses the complex challenges associated with traditional vitreoretinal surgeries, which have largely depended on manual techniques. These surgeries are intricate, requiring surgeons to simultaneously manage surgical tools and a light pipe while looking through a microscope, which demands high skill and can lead to significant fatigue.
Our novel vision-based robot-assisted system transforms this dynamic, automating critical aspects of the surgery by incorporating advanced surgical scene understanding and precise manipulation to enhance collaboration between surgeon and robot.
The cornerstone of our system is its ability to autonomously position the light pipe, traditionally a manual and taxing task for surgeons. This automation allows surgeons to concentrate more fully on the surgical procedures. Enhanced by real-time feedback mechanisms, our system can detect and alert against potential missteps or forbidden actions during operations, thereby preventing complications.
Looking ahead, we are focused on refining our system, conducting rigorous experiments and trials, and ultimately, implementing this technology in operating rooms to make surgeries safer, more precise, and accessible.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the organizers of the Hamlyn Symposium and our dedicated team members.