How XR and AI are Shaping the Future of Remote Surgery
Olga Krivchenko (MBA)
Co-Owner @ Qualium Systems | Executive MBA, VR/AR Development
In recent years, the powerful combination of Extended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has opened exciting new doors in remote surgery, making high-quality healthcare accessible even in the most remote areas. Thanks to these technological advancements, geographic barriers are becoming less of an issue, allowing expert surgeons to collaborate and operate across the globe in real time. In this post, we’ll explore how these two technologies are transforming the healthcare landscape and highlight some real-world examples showing the practical impact of XR and AI in remote surgery.
A New Era for Remote Surgery
Remote surgery, or telesurgery, involves performing surgical procedures from a distance using robotic systems. While the concept isn’t entirely new, it gained significant attention back in the early 2000s with the Lindbergh Operation, where surgeons in New York successfully removed a patient’s gallbladder while the patient was in France. Since then, we’ve seen tremendous progress, particularly with the integration of XR and AI.
1. XR Enhances Visualization and Collaboration
XR—encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR)—provides a more immersive, 3D view of patient anatomy, making it easier for surgeons to plan procedures in greater detail. In remote surgeries, XR tools allow for precise, real-time guidance, making it feel as though the surgeon is physically present in the operating room.
Proximie, a cutting-edge AR platform, has taken remote surgery to new heights by enabling surgeons to project themselves into any operating room across the world. Through the use of AR, Proximie overlays the expert surgeon’s hands and tools onto the patient, providing local surgeons with step-by-step guidance. This technology has already been deployed in over 500 hospitals globally, improving surgical precision and outcomes, especially in underserved areas.
2. AI: The Assistant Surgeons Can’t Live Without
While XR provides the visual and immersive tools, AI works behind the scenes, analyzing data in real-time and offering predictive insights. AI can help detect complications early, suggest optimal courses of action, and assist robotic systems to ensure surgical precision.
A standout example of AI in remote surgery is the Da Vinci Surgical System. With AI enhancements, this robotic system allows surgeons to remotely control robotic arms with pinpoint accuracy. Although the Da Vinci system has been around for years, AI’s integration has made it even more capable, providing real-time feedback, optimizing tool movements, and minimizing human error.
3. Bringing Remote Collaboration to Life
Another major benefit of combining XR and AI in remote surgery is the ability for multiple experts to collaborate on the same case from different parts of the world. Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 is a great example of this. Surgeons can use the HoloLens 2 to view a shared 3D holographic model of the patient’s anatomy, allowing for real-time collaboration and decision-making.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust used HoloLens 2 for remote assistance during surgeries, allowing experts to guide procedures while minimizing the need for physical presence in the operating room.
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Real-World Case Studies in XR and AI-Assisted Remote Surgery
Case Study 1: The Role of 5G in Remote Surgery
In 2020, China performed one of the first AI-assisted remote surgeries using 5G connectivity, allowing a surgeon in Beijing to operate on a patient 1,800 miles away. The procedure, which involved the implantation of a deep brain stimulation device for a Parkinson’s patient, demonstrated how AI and XR, supported by low-latency 5G technology, could enable real-time collaboration and precision at a distance.
Case Study 2: The Lindbergh Operation
While not a recent example, the Lindbergh Operation in 2001 set a critical precedent for remote surgery. Using robotic technology and telecommunications, French surgeons successfully performed a gallbladder removal on a patient located thousands of miles away in New York. This pioneering surgery paved the way for the integration of today’s AI and XR technologies, showing the potential for remote surgery on a global scale.
Overcoming Challenges in Remote Surgery
Despite these impressive advances, challenges remain. One major hurdle is the availability of high-speed, low-latency networks, such as 5G, which are critical for remote surgeries. Without this technology, real-time interaction and precise control are nearly impossible. Another challenge is the high cost of implementing XR and AI solutions, particularly in regions where healthcare systems are already underfunded.
However, with ongoing advancements and the increasing global reach of 5G, remote surgery has the potential to become much more accessible in the coming years. As XR and AI technologies become more affordable, we can expect to see wider adoption, offering life-saving surgeries to even the most remote and underserved communities.
Looking Ahead: The Future of XR and AI in Surgery
XR and AI are redefining what’s possible in the field of surgery. By combining the immersive capabilities of XR with the analytical power of AI, surgeons can now perform highly complex procedures remotely, breaking down geographical barriers and bringing top-tier medical expertise to patients all over the world. Platforms like Proximie and systems like Da Vinci and HoloLens 2 represent the future of healthcare—one that is increasingly global, connected, and collaborative.
For more insights into how XR, AI, and MedTech are shaping the future of healthcare, stay tuned to XR Frontiers for the latest updates and trends.