South Korean researchers have developed a surgical robot that recently succeeded in conducting endoscopic surgery on a live pig.<br />Once the robot is fully developed and commercialized, it's expected to make surgical procedures easier and cheaper.<br />Cho Sung-min reports. <br /> <br /> Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have announced that their recently-developed surgical robot has successfully conducted endoscopic surgery on a live animal.<br />The robot, dubbed K-FLEX, is a snake-like, flexible machine that can be inserted into the patient's body through natural openings or through incisions.<br />That way, it can carry out different kinds of surgery and observe organ conditions,... without physically opening or cutting up the flesh.<br /><br /> The researchers said K-FLEX removed the gallbladder of a live pig in a preclinical trial in July.<br />That's when they realized their product could be a practical solution to bacterial infection, excessive blood loss, and complications, which can affect patients when they get surgical treatment the traditional way.<br /><br />The head of K-FLEX is equipped with several microscopic arms, which are remotely controlled by surgeons.<br /><br /> "Our product is far more advanced than the existing endoscopic kits. It can not only diagnose a condition, but can also conduct complex surgical procedures like cutting out cancerous tissue or tumors right on the spot."<br /><br /> The researchers say the development of K-FLEX is significant, since it uses domestically made parts and software.<br />They also add that once the robot is fully developed and commercialized, it will simplify surgery and make it easier to perform,... which could reduce the cost of treatment. <br />Cho Sung-min, Arirang News. <br />
