Professor Li Weishi's Team from the Orthopedics Department of Peking University Third Hospital Completes the World's First Autonomous Recognition and Cutting Surgery Using a Spinal Lamina Robot

Author: Li Zhuofu

Link Address:https://www.puh3.net.cn/info/1971/110841.htm

On July 16, 2023, Professor Li Weishi, Head of the Orthopedics Department at Peking University Third Hospital, led a team that achieved a groundbreaking feat—the world's first successful autonomous recognition and cutting surgery using a spinal lamina robot.  This surgery milestone involved personalized intelligent planning of the robot-assisted laminectomy decompression's surgical path, automatic recognition of biological tissue characteristics during the cutting process, and precise autonomous cutting of the spinal lamina. This advancement propelled orthopedic robotic surgery beyond mere positioning assistance, into the realm of intelligent decision-making and autonomous operation, laying a solid foundation for the evolution of intelligent orthopedics..

Traditional laminectomy decompression surgery rely on surgeons’ experience and tactile feedback to control the depth and force of the lamina cutting, which entails certain risks of spinal nerve injury.

Under the leadership of Professor Li Weishi and in collaboration with Peking University Third Hospital, Beihang University, and Zhuzheng Robot Co., Ltd., a robotic surgery system with China's independent intellectual property rights was developed. This system, the world's first to achieve autonomous lamina cutting, represents a breakthrough in "operational" robotics. Building upon this achievement, Peking University Third Hospital completed the world's first clinical case of autonomous recognition and cutting surgery using a spinal lamina robot, marking a significant milestone in China's surgical robot systems as they progress towards intelligent decision-making and autonomous operation.

Professor Li Weishi Leads the World's First Autonomous Lamina Cutting Surgery with Robotic Assistance

Robotic System: Performance and Reliability Achieving Expected Targets

The surgical outcomes showcased the robot's autoomous cutting operation, attaining precision at a sub-millimeter level. The robotic system's performance and reliability not only met but exceeded the established objectives, effectively mitigating the risks linked to laminectomy. This system stands as a pivotal accomplishment within China's National Key Research and Development Program's "Intelligent Robots" theme project, tailored specifically for spinal lamina resection surgery.

Autonomous Recognition and Cutting Robotic System for Laminectomy Based on Ultrasonic Power Tools

Surgical Team