Surgeons Perform Simulated Surgery in Space Using New Remote Technology

An article from last week on the CNN website reported a significant technological demonstration, with the successful completion of the simulated surgery, guided by surgeons on Earth, conducted by a robot in the International Space Station (ISS). The procedure was performed on simulated tissue by a robotic surgical system called spaceMIRA (Miniaturized In Vivo Robotic Assistant).

This milestone marks a significant advancement in space healthcare capabilities and paves the way for future medical interventions during long-duration space missions, but it also could have implications for granting patients in remote areas on Earth with access to surgery.

spaceMIRA, created by startup Virtual Incision, was transported to the International Space Station on February 1. Weighing approximately 2 pounds, a portion of the microwave-sized device is inserted into a body and includes two arms that are meant to mirror a surgeon’s movements. 

To demonstrate the ability of the technology, six surgeons based in Lincoln, Nebraska, were called to both create tension with and dissect simulated tissue, which was made of rubber bands. Each demonstration was deemed successful, even with the .85 second delay from input to the robot performing an action.

Michael Jobst, MD, FACS, a colorectal surgeon at Surgical Associates, PC, in Lincoln, was one of the surgeons to participate in the demonstration and noted that “a split second or a half a second is going to be significant [in surgery]. So, this was a big challenge.”

The development of spaceMIRA and its successful deployment on the ISS highlights the collaborative efforts of international space agencies and research institutions to address the unique healthcare needs of astronauts or future space travelers. Though this technology and the demonstration is the first step in a long process, it underscores the broader potential applications of robotic surgery on Earth, including in remote or inaccessible locations where access to skilled surgeons is limited.