2023-04-25 20:00:15
Within the field of Medicine there is always a constant evolution thanks to technology. Patient care is no longer the same as decades ago because now there are new tools. The clearest example can be seen with the remote consultations where physical contact is no longer necessary. Something similar occurs within operating rooms with remote surgical collaboration, which is becoming more frequent.
Surgical methods have been evolving, therefore at the 107th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America These new guidelines were presented, setting the tone for new initiatives. For example, technological tools as a necessity for the evolution towards compliance of the health sector with better quality standards.
One of the main issues that were addressed refers to the growing trend that has been established in recent years. It is about remote surgical collaboration and how through the conception of this term several questions arise that must be answered to achieve its adequacy in any context.
What is remote surgical collaboration?
In order to delve into this concept, Francisco Fandiño, Managing Director Latin America at Barco, defines it as “the act that occurs when the surgeon is operating on a patient in the operating room and other participants join virtually from elsewhere. This practice does not arise as a result of the pandemic, but growth can be seen thanks to it, since with the restrictions established from one country to another, specialists were prevented from moving, which results in an adoption every more and more in this medical practice”.
This method could not be limited to a simple video call, as it would not have all the benefits of professional equipment that guarantees a secure cloud environment, patient privacy, high-quality live video and audio, as well as additional tools dedicated to surgery. as well as different types of annotations. Advances in science and technology allow the health sector to fulfill the mission of performing remote surgical interventions efficiently.
Who makes use of remote surgical collaboration?
As it is a specialized field within medicine, visual solutions from companies such as Barco expand the advantages of surgical collaboration for a wide variety of situations, of which the medical personnel who can make use of them mainly focus on: surgeons and assisting personnel, surgical students or novices, surgical experts, sales and service personnel of integrators or medical technology sales organizations.
The opportunity to collaborate together from any remote location gives participants the ability to view video footage of what is happening in the operating room, plus the surgical team and remote participants can communicate with each other, for example, through a microphone and audio or through chat, just to mention some of its functions that within surgical practice are of value for the entire process.
When it’s used?
The distinctions that are presented according to the type of surgery that is planned to be performed, depends on factors such as the context and clinical history. In addition to those that require a long period of hospitalization, among others. Likewise, not all of them require remote collaboration, but on some occasions they could present a great advantage, for example:
a) To consult with an expert who is geographically remote.
b) Train and evaluate young surgeons in their first surgeries.
c) Invite a group of students or observation experts, without putting the patient at risk.
d) As a technological innovator, with a simpler approach and easy access.
e) Reduces transfer times to perform interventions, thus increasing the efficiency and return on investment of your surgical infrastructure.
f) It helps to show the experience of the hospital by exposing the complexity of the cases.
How is it used?
To carry out remote surgical collaboration, the surgeon in the operating room performs his work without any interruption, as does the team that assists him. For the staff, it is essential that the technologies respond to the slightest immersion without affecting changes in their way of working and moving around their space with total freedom. The technology works like a gateway in the operating room that collects the video stream, ensuring it is delivered to remote participants securely.
Where is it used?
As previously mentioned, this system is installed in the operating room and by establishing connectivity with third parties through an internet connection, they can be anywhere, inside or outside the country. This advance in technology makes it possible to collaborate with other specialists remotely, given the urgency that arises almost instantly in the operating rooms regarding complications or the need for second opinions.
Why should you use it?
Joint participation within the operating room is the key to safeguarding the lives of patients. For surgeons, this tool allows you to combine your brainpower with that of experts in the field, to collaborate live from the operating room. A good system is also the ideal classroom environment for teaching procedures, without putting patients at risk.
For their part, students can observe the procedures more closely, with the intention of acting appropriately once they make their first interventions. For hospitals, this tool offers a greater reputation and prestige with a more sophisticated infrastructure for operating rooms.
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