Soft tissue robotics has moved beyond discussions about whether robotic surgery is going to be common practice, since it has already become commonplace. What remains to be discussed is what is going to happen in terms of development and implementation in the next wave of surgical technologies.
During discussions at the LSI Emerging Medtech Summit, industry executives and healthcare innovators explored a critical topic shaping the future of surgery: should robotic platforms operate as closed ecosystems controlled by a single company, or should they embrace interoperability and collaboration?
This discussion reflects a broader trend that is seen in other technological realms within healthcare as well.
Going Beyond The Robot: Creating a Connected Surgical Environment
Current advances in surgical robotics go way beyond the use of robotic arms and equipment in the operating room. Modern surgical robots are increasingly using the power of artificial intelligence, high-resolution imagery, navigational tools, analysis software, and even networking to inform clinical decisions.
As each of these elements evolves independently of the others, most industry insiders think that next-generation surgery systems need to be adaptable enough to leverage innovation from multiple vendors rather than rely on a single company to incorporate every technology into a single system.
This way, medical institutions will not have to wait until a particular vendor upgrades an entire system but can benefit from individual improvements made by various companies.
Cost of Innovation and the Importance of Interoperability
Innovation in healthcare is progressing at a fast rate. Year after year, advancements in visualization, machine learning, collaboration in real time, and guided procedures are being introduced into the market.
Building all these innovations in the same proprietary ecosystem could prove to be costly and could result in delayed use of innovative technology. Instead, interoperable systems could make it easier for healthcare providers to leverage new innovations when and where applicable.
This would also be beneficial for investors and innovators as well. Innovations could progress in an optimal environment where startups do not compete against each other but focus on their own specific breakthroughs that could interconnect with existing platforms.
Reasons Why Ambulatory Surgery Centers are Changing the Discussion
The shift of surgical operations from conventional hospitals to ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) has changed the demands that patients have on robotic technology.
In ASCs, different factors affect the purchase of medical equipment. For instance, issues related to space, finance, efficiency, and productivity may determine the kind of purchases made.
As such, the robotics industry has been forced to develop small and easy-to-install machines. Robots that are compatible with the outpatient setting will likely gain a competitive edge.
Promoting a Quicker Innovation Cycle
Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons for promoting an open architecture is its ability to generate a sustainable innovation cycle.
When software developers, software vendors, imaging firms, and device makers develop solutions that can operate in many environments, it becomes easier for other parties to participate in the innovation process. Consequently, there will be increased investments into such innovations, which can lead to better outcomes for the market.
In other words, the innovation cycle will be decentralized to include a wide range of stakeholders instead of being concentrated in few firms.
Will The Future of Soft Tissue Robotics Be Either Fully Open Or Fully Closed?
Though there is compelling reasoning both for and against the concept, it appears unlikely that the future of soft tissue robotics will be characterized by a simple choice between open or closed approaches.
Industry watchers predict hybrid systems that will marry the advantages of integrated technology with those of selective interoperability. This would involve keeping the most critical aspects of the robot closed while allowing for interoperability through standard interface ports.
Moving in a Patient-Centered Direction
Ultimately, the success of any robot technology will depend on how well it serves patients. Be the platforms open, closed, or somewhere in between, medical organizations are becoming increasingly interested in innovations that help achieve better outcomes, simplify processes, and increase access to innovative surgical methods.
With a maturing market for soft tissue robots, cooperation may become just as important as competition for companies that strive to develop innovative robotic technologies.
The development of robotic-assisted surgery will require more than improvements in technology itself. What is needed is innovation in healthcare systems and their components. The leaders and innovators driving the future of surgical robotics connect at the LSI USA Summit. Explore interoperable platforms and next-generation medtech at lsiusasummit.com.