The world's first intelligent micro-drill for surgery, which can help save the hearing of patients, is to be showcased in London on Wednesday 3 November. Attendees can catch a glimpse of the device, which could potentially revolutionise micro-surgery and significantly improve patient recovery.

The medical robot, which has been successfully trialled in cochlear implant surgery, can intelligently distinguish between different types of tissues, identify the exact point of perforation and drill autonomously to a precise depth, all without having to be programmed. The sophisticated device is able to respond to tissue type, behaviour and deflection in real time, and will be presented by Professor Peter Brett, who developed it.

It will be among a number of cutting edge medical robots to be highlighted at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) 'Robotics in Surgery' conference at Birdcage Walk, London.

Surgical robots are increasingly being used as surgeons are demanding more accuracy with smaller incisions. The benefits of utilising them, including allowing surgeons greater precision, less excess tissue damage and fewer complications all result in a reduced post-operative stay for patients.

Innovative medical technology being used to design swimming and crawling robots which can move freely within body cavities will be discussed at the conference, proving a fascinating insight into surgeries in the future.

Prof. Peter Brett, Brunel University, said: "Medical robots are significantly improving the experience of surgery for patients. With the greater accuracy enabled by the devices, patients experience decrease blood loss, less pain and a quicker healing time. For example, the smart micro-drill can detect tissue interfaces before penetration and then intelligently either control penetration through such delicate structures or avoid penetrating altogether as required, reducing unnecessary tissue damage."

Dr Patrick Finlay, Chairman of the event, added: "It's a very exciting time for medical robotics. Some of the second generation robots being showcased at the event can for the first time enable procedures that are not possibly by hand and eye."

Source:
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)