[Prospect of computer aided surgery].
To develop the new surgical fields of minimally invasive surgery, noninvasive surgery, virtual reality microsurgery, telesurgery, fetal surgery and others in the next century, it is necessary to use various advanced technologies; surgical robots, three-dimensional medical images etc. based on computer technology. Therefore, this new surgical field is called Computer Aided Surgery (CAS). Three-dimensional medical images provide the most recognizable information for medical doctors and the most advanced visualization for surgeons. Surgical robots function as advanced hands for surgeons, but do not perform the same actions as surgeons wielding scissors or scalpel. The advanced vision and hands available to surgeons are creating a new surgical environment. The philosophy behind the development of surgical robots is to assist surgeons in difficult procedures and extend the greatest possible help to patients with incurable disease.
Dohi
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Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering, University of Tokyo, Japan.
D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted