Smart scalpel for surgery

2023: Product Announcement

On October 10, 2023, British researchers from the University of Edinburgh announced the development of a smart scalpel, which paves the way for the creation of automated surgical devices of the next generation. In addition, the solution can simplify the training of future specialists.

The scalpel is equipped with special sensors to determine the pressure force. Sensors allow you to control the process of surgery, which allows you to carry out the procedure as efficiently as possible. The inexpensive device consists of the blade itself and a handle, in which a board with a microcontroller is built. Machine learning algorithms are used to analyze the collected indicators.

Demonstration of the smart scalpel

The researchers tested the new technology by monitoring 12 medical students and two surgeons performing a procedure known as an elliptical incision. It includes making two curved incisions on the skin - in particular, to remove unwanted formations, for example, moles or melanoma. Tests were carried out on a synthetic material of gelatin and silicone imitating the properties of human tissue. The results obtained using a smart scalpel were compared with the opinion of four experts - two neuroscientists and two plastic surgeons. In general, the estimates coincided, which allows us to talk about the high accuracy of the proposed technology.

We are excited to introduce this new system that uses a combination of sensors and machine learning techniques to quantify surgical skills. The system will allow the development of new training methods and in the future could lead to the creation of automated surgical devices that can help surgical teams, "said Professor Ram Ramamoorthy from the School of Computer Science at the University of Edinburgh.[1]

Notes