MIT's surgical robot could help surgeons treat strokes remotely

Robotic surgery is finally taking shape in healthcare. Advances in robotics technology have been adapted in various subspecialties of both open and minimally invasive surgery, offering benefits such as enhanced surgical precision and accuracy with reduced fatigue of the surgeon. MIT engineers have developed a telerobotic system to help surgeons quickly and remotely treat patients experiencing a stroke or aneurysm. With a joystick, surgeons in a hospital can control a robotic arm at another location to safely operate during a critical window of time that could save the patient's life and preserve their brain function. The new system consists of a medical-grade robotic arm with a magnet attached to its wrist and sits beside the patient's head as they lie on an operating table at their local hospital.