First surgery in space

US Doctors have successfully performed the first surgery in space by remotely controlling a small robot, located on the International Space Station (ISS).

The robot, named SpaceMIRA, was part of a surgical simulation test developed by medical technology maker Virtual Incision (VIC) and the University of Nebraska. A SpaceX rocket, piloted by NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara, delivered the robot to the ISS in late January.

The test then took place on February 14, from Virtual Incision's headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The surgery took about two hours, with six surgeons operating the robot, each equipped with a camera and two manipulator arms. Virtual Incision said the surgeons tested standard surgical techniques such as grasping, manipulating and cutting tissue. The tissue was made from rubber bands.

In a video shared by the company, viewers can see a robotic arm equipped with pliers grasping and stretching a wire. The other arm makes a cut, simulating the surgical process.

Researchers are testing the control of the SpaceMIRA surgical robot arm. Photo: AFP — Researchers are testing the control of the SpaceMIRA surgical robot arm. Photo: *AFP*

The challenge the experts faced was the time lag, about 0.85 seconds, between the control center on Earth and the ISS. For the control experiment, the same process was performed with the device.

This test is considered a great success for the medical field as well as artificial intelligence, useful in medical emergencies on long manned journeys, such as to Mars.

This technology is also being used to develop remote surgical techniques on Earth, to serve isolated areas.

In a statement, Virtual Incision said the trial was considered a great success by all surgeons and researchers, with few or no problems.

NASA, which provided some financial support for the project, said that with longer space missions, the need for emergency care could increase, including procedures ranging from simple lacerations to more complex operations.

Thuc Linh (According to AFP )

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