The basic concepts that inform the design of
surgical instruments has been virtually unchanged for thousands of years – the
surgical instruments used by ancient Egyptian, Greek or Roman doctors looked
very similar to the modern instruments used today supplied by companies like Apiary Medical and others. However, technological
development has increased the efficiency of the instruments and it is likely to
bring further improvements in the future – here are some of the current trends
and directions:
- The usage of robotics – the surgical interventions performed by robots are becoming increasingly widespread. The process of using robots for operating on patients brings the benefits of precise incisions, but is controlled and managed by humans;
- Virtual reality for training – VR technology is no longer used only for entertainment purposes, such as gaming. VR equipment is today used for training surgeons either in traditional or in new technologies, helping surgeons acquire the knowledge and the dexterity to performing procedures safely before they use the techniques on patients;
- Minimally invasive interventions – modern medical technology has come up with great techniques that eliminate the need of extensive incisions. The deployment of laparoscopes and other, similar surgical instruments makes the interventions easier and quicker and they also shorten the time needed for recovery.
