At the heart of surgical innovation, an extraordinary experiment has caught the attention of researchers and healthcare professionals. Surgeons in Zurich, Switzerland recently performed remote surgery on a pig using a device that few would have thought was suitable for medical operations: the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller. Although the controller is designed for video games, its use in a medical context has proven to be an extraordinary resource, confirming how technology can be used to revolutionize remote surgery.
The remote surgical experiment: how does it work?
Zurich surgeons, known for their cutting-edge research, performed remote endoscopy on a pig whose body was more than 5,700 miles (about 9,300 kilometers) away in Hong Kong. Although the distance between surgeons and patient was enormous, the use of a game controller like the DualSense made the operation successful.
The experiment was conducted with the support of a mechanized surgical system which, connected via the internet, It allowed the surgeons in Zurich to check surgical instruments in real time and perform complex movements as if they were in the same room as the patient. Using a live video feed, surgeons were able to view the area to be operated and intervene in real time, keeping latency (latency) below 300 milliseconds, a key objective to ensure the accuracy of the operation. This was one of the key aspects of the surgery’s success, as real-time control is essential for remote surgery.
Why DualSense? Revolutionary tactile precision and feedback
The DualSense is not just a gaming controller; it’s an innovative device that offers unprecedented precision, thanks to its advanced tactile feedback. Zurich surgeons used these features to navigate inside the pig’s body, using the controller to manipulate an external magnetic field that directed a magnetic endoscope. This process allowed precise navigation during the operation, a crucial aspect for the success of complex surgical procedures such as endoscopy.
In a surgical setting, precision is critical: every movement must be carefully calibrated, and the DualSense controller has made this possible by overcoming the challenges associated with remote surgery. The controller’s vibration and tactile feedback gave surgeons the feeling of interacting directly with the instruments, increasing their control over the procedure.
The DualSense controller from Sony: More than just a gaming tool
Sony’s DualSense was launched as the official controller for PlayStation 5, but its innovative features have made it more than just a gaming tool. The controller offers a range of advanced features, such as dynamic touch feedback, adaptive triggers and improved ergonomics, making it particularly suitable for experiments like that of the Zurich surgeons.
Advanced tactile feedback allows the simulation of different sensations through vibration, allowing users to perceive variations in pressure or movement, characteristics that can be fundamental in a surgical environment. In this experiment, surgeons used the DualSense to move surgical instruments with extreme precision, just as they would do with a traditional medical device.
A Step Towards Global Distance Surgery
One of the main aims of this experiment was to demonstrate that remote surgery can be effective, even when surgeons are thousands of kilometres away from the patient. The use of DualSense and other advanced technology tools has enabled researchers to explore the possibility of operating in remote regions where access to specialist surgeons is limited.
This type of research could have enormous implications for the future of medicine. If remote surgery becomes a common practice, it will be possible to offer surgical assistance to those in need, regardless of their geographical location. Integrating video game technology with medical practices could open the door to global surgery, improving access to care in areas without advanced health facilities.
The future of remote surgery: Technology and medicine come together
The DualSense controller experiment is just the beginning of a new era for remote surgery. Although the applications are still in the experimental phase today, the combination of low latency, precise tactile feedback and remote control offers enormous potential for the future of medicine.
In an increasingly interconnected world, it is possible that technologies once reserved for the video game world can revolutionize the health sector, leading expert surgeons to intervene in real time anywhere in the world. This type of innovation could not only reduce costs and improve the effectiveness of surgery, but also reduce waiting times for those in need of urgent operations in remote areas.
In summary, the Zurich surgeons’ experiment with Sony’s DualSense controller is a significant step towards the evolution of remote surgery. Combining the best of gaming technology with medical needs, a new era of global surgery is opening, where distance is no longer an obstacle to getting the best care.
