Telepresence technology in medicine: principles and applications

Telepresence systems can improve surgeons' performance in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and microsurgery and also enable them to operate on patients remotely over great distances. In MIS, telepresence technology allows surgeons to experiment surgery as if their hands and eyes were effectively inside the patient's closed abdomen, enabling them to work with improved skill and dexterity. In microsurgery, the technology can scale down the surgeons' motions, forces, and field of view, allowing them to skillfully operate on microscopic anatomy with relative ease. The systems also enable surgeons to treat patients remotely in inaccessible or hazardous locations with great effectiveness, allowing them to operate as if they were present at the remote site. The means for conveying human presence in such systems is through force-reflecting manipulators with digital servo controllers, stereo viewing systems, and communication links. Depending on the application, the surgeon at the telepresence workstation may be across the room from the patient or across the state, connected by a microwave link or communication network.