What if technology redefines patient care rather than just improving patient care? The patient’s journey was reshaped in ways we couldn’t predict ten years ago. From virtual consultation to remote monitoring, digital innovation has expanded doctors’ offices far beyond their physical roots. However, these developments only suggest how technology can revolutionize patient care. In the operating room, powerful systems that improve accuracy and provide real-time guidance are attracting surgeons. Instead of replacing surgeons, they shifted to a collaboration between human expertise and machine intelligence and expanded the goals that can be achieved in the operating room.
The future of navigation technology
During the surgery, no two cases were exactly the same – but each case provided an opportunity to learn. In the past, surgeons may have reviewed laparoscopic videos after evaluating a process that is progressing smoothly and can be improved. Today’s surgical platforms record a wealth of procedural data that enables surgeons to reflect on their performance and recognize trends in continuous improvement. Artificial intelligence (AI) converts hours of video and sensor data into practical insights to help surgeons improve case by case.
According to the American Medical Association, clinicians recognize that AI is already a driving force in healthcare. Almost 70% of physicians surveyed in 2024 showed that they saw certainty or some advantages in using AI tools, which is higher than 65% in 2023. Although AI provides valuable information, it is important to remember that these data are based on algorithms – they are essentially “artificial”. Since our goal is to enhance the expertise of surgeons, AI alone is not enough. Surgeons still need to know how to apply these insights effectively, which is the idea of enhancing intelligence.
Augmented intelligence takes AI's discovery and presents it to surgeons to help make decisions but not decide this. Think of enhanced intelligence as a surgical GP that provides real-time guidance and highlights key information during the process. Just as the car’s navigation system warns of obstacles ahead, these digital tools can highlight key anatomies, potential hazards of the flag, and adapt in real time when unexpected challenges arise. In practice, this may mean fewer mistakes, faster adjustments and greater confidence in the present.
But once the stitching is in place, the partnership between AI and enhanced intelligence won't end. By capturing information in each process, the intelligent database provides clinicians with the ability to review their performance and adjust over time. By continuously improving their skills, surgeons not only contribute to their technical skills, but also improve the development of surgical best practices.
Surgeons around the world are already using these tools to fine-tune their technology and gain new clarity in complex processes. But as these tools become increasingly indispensable, the industry must ensure they are properly regulated and balanced between security and innovation.
Bridge innovation and collaboration
Innovation does not happen in isolation—and will not gain trust in this way. With the rapid development of the horizon, breakthrough breakthroughs are underway inside and outside the operating room. To build a safer and more adaptive surgical ecosystem, surgery requires more Not smart tools. The industry needs to challenge hypothesized intelligent conversations and invite various voices on the table to ensure that technology is not only clinically reasonable, but is ethically aligned with what patients and providers need most.
Cooperation is not only a good choice. This is the operating system of the future of healthcare. Let's make sure we're all plugged in.
Photo: Gorodenkoff, Getty Images
As Vice President of Medical and Professional Education, Dr. Ed Chekan leads the company's clinical, training and education, and science affairs. Prior to joining Asensus, Dr. Chekan held medical affairs positions at Ethicon Internal and External Surgery and Teleflex. He has worked as a consultant at several strategic and startup medical device companies, where he led training and education programs and developed new products. Dr. Chekan completed a minimum invasive surgery scholarship at Duke University and was certified by the U.S. Surgery Board and served as an auxiliary position in Duke’s surgical department.
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