China has taken a bold step forward in the realm of medical technology by successfully using 5G robots to perform remote eye surgeries from a staggering distance of 350 miles (585 kilometers). This groundbreaking achievement showcases the potential of advanced technology to revolutionize the field of medicine.
The remarkable feat involved a team of Chinese doctors remotely conducting surgeries on rabbits located at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. The surgical team operated on these rabbits using a 5G robot from the Hainan Eye Hospital at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center in Haikou, Hainan province. The surgeries took place on June 23, and the subsequent month revealed that all 12 rabbits were in stable condition, according to reports from China Daily.
The development of the 5G robot was an in-house effort led by a team of doctors and scientists. This achievement not only highlights the technical prowess of Chinese researchers but also underscores the potential of 5G technology in enabling complex and delicate medical procedures to be performed remotely.
The success of these remote surgeries on rabbits speaks to the stability and precision of the 5G robots. Ophthalmology, known for its intricate precision requirements, is particularly challenging when conducted robotically due to the high stakes involved in eye surgeries. A minute error can have profound consequences on a patient’s vision.
The use of specialized microscopes and advanced visualization systems further complicates the integration of robotics into ocular surgery. However, Chinese doctors and scientists are confident that this achievement paves the way for robotic eye surgeries to become a reality for people in China by the end of the year or early 2024.
This breakthrough isn’t the first instance of remote surgeries, but it signifies a significant leap in the field. Remote surgeries have been performed over distances exceeding 400 kilometers in the past, with the potential to benefit patients in remote areas, emergency situations, and geographically distant surgical procedures.
The Director of the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Lin Haotian, emphasized that this achievement will not only accelerate the adoption of remote medicine in China but will also enhance the country’s medical device and equipment capabilities on a global scale. It’s anticipated that this development will contribute to the establishment of international medical standards.
By utilizing 5G communication and ultra-high-definition micro-stereoscopic imaging technology, these remote surgeries exemplify how technological innovation can enhance accuracy and efficiency in medical procedures. As the technology continues to evolve, the prospects of remote surgeries becoming a mainstream medical practice are becoming increasingly tangible.