Ghent: Orsi and Nvidia Unveil World’s First 9,000 km AI-Assisted Surgery

Ghent (Eurotoday) – Ghent’s Orsi Academy (Merelbeke-Melle) and Nvidia have developed an AI tool for surgical training, which analyzes real-time images and assists surgeons. This marks Belgium’s first remote surgery from Ghent to Shanghai (9,000 km). Pieter De Backer was involved.

The Orsi Academy in Ghent, Belgium, has partnered with Nvidia to develop an advanced AI tool for surgical training. This innovative technology debuted at a major international conference, allowing surgeons and medical professionals to engage with an AI-powered chatbot during live procedures. Officials explained that this intelligent system analyzes real-time surgical images and provides tailored explanations to users at all experience levels. 

“We first tested the tool during this congress,” says Pieter De Backer of the Orsi Academy from Merelbeke-Melle.

Is Ghent’s Orsi & Nvidia AI transforming surgery on a global scale?

According to officials, the AI tool developed by Orsi Academy and Nvidia is more than just a source of information.  This groundbreaking system enables trainees and surgeons to ask questions during procedures without interrupting the operation.  

They noted that the AI analyzes live footage and offers insights that enhance decision-making and patient safety. Officials emphasized that this is a significant step in integrating AI into medicine, with potential applications in robotic surgery, diagnostics, and remote education.

“It can certainly be a tool for the team during long operations, and at the same time it helps people in training or patients who have questions afterwards.”

Pieter De Backer, Orsi Academy

The system is designed to understand even a child’s language. In a Belgian first, a long-distance operation was conducted using a robot connected to an operating room in Shanghai, China.  The robot can be controlled from Ghent, Belgium, through a visor, control panel, and pedals.

Officials stated that with a stable internet connection, latency is minimal, allowing specialists to perform precise operations remotely. The initial test was conducted on a chicken leg, as the technology is not yet certified for human procedures.

“We work with nanomaterial over a distance of 9,000 kilometers.”

Pieter De Backer

According to Pieter De Backer, this technology could enable patients in remote areas to receive treatment from top surgeons without the need to travel. It also allows specialists to operate in multiple locations. However, some challenges remain. A strong, reliable internet connection is essential, and researchers are working on solutions to prevent connectivity issues. Additionally, official regulatory approval is required before the technology can be implemented in hospitals.


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

Andy Burnham on Question Time: 5 Key Points from the UK Leadership Hopeful’s TV Appearance

Andy Burnham on Question Time: 5 Key Points from the UK Leadership Hopeful’s TV Appearance

“We might need to revisit that,” Burnham replied. “Considering the significant issues related to knife crime, it’s worth examining, though it requires a thorough discussion,” he added.
Burnham dismissed allegations of unequal policing in Greater Manchester, commending Chief Constable Stephen Watson. He emphasized Watson’s commitment to “never take the knee

Read More

EU Advances Toward Cruelty-Free Chemical Safety Testing

EU Advances Toward Cruelty-Free Chemical Safety Testing

The European Commission has released a much-anticipated roadmap towards phasing out animal testing for chemical safety assessments.
There is a “firm commitment to phasing-out animal testing at the earliest opportunity”.
Campaigners go on to say the EU has acknowledged that, “up until now, overall progress to replace animal testing has been too slow”.
Cruelty Free Europe adds, “Importantly, the R

Read More

A Court That Turns a Blind Eye: Argentina Relegates Rudnev to Obscurity

A Court That Turns a Blind Eye: Argentina Relegates Rudnev to Obscurity

Argentina’s Court of Cassation’s decision in the Rudnev case seems to lack empathy and consideration for his dire health condition. Despite having undergone surgery and facing severe health issues while under state custody, Rudnev is ordered back into an environment detrimental to his health. The prosecution’s narrative involving an alleged “cult” remains unsubstanti

Read More

Socialists Urge Defector to Relinquish EU Parliament Vice Presidency

Socialists Urge Defector to Relinquish EU Parliament Vice Presidency

The European Parliament’s Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats is urging Pina Picierno, who recently left their group, to step down from her role as Parliament vice president.
“Although EP rules technically permit her to remain in the vice-presidency, it would be politically inconsistent,” stated Andrea Maceiras, spokesperson for the S&D group’s chair, Iratxe García.
Maceiras e

Read More

Experts of EU AI Act Confront Initial Enforcement Challenge

Experts of EU AI Act Confront Initial Enforcement Challenge

The European Union is transitioning from formulating significant artificial intelligence regulations to establishing the expert infrastructure necessary for their enforcement. New scientific and advisory bodies appointed by the European Commission will play a crucial role in overseeing general-purpose AI, technical standards, and rights-related risks as the AI Act enters its next important implem

Read More

Retailleau: Uniting Efforts Proves Challenging

Retailleau: Uniting Efforts Proves Challenging

Anthony Lattier échange avec Elisa Bertholomey et Laura Kayali à propos de la semaine difficile de Bruno Retailleau, le candidat LR à la présidentielle, dans le nouvel épisode du Playbook Paris, le podcast de POLITICO. Accusé par le gouvernement de bloquer l’actualisation de la loi de programmation militaire au Sénat, moqué par Laurent Wauquiez et critiqué par Jean-François Copé et Xavier Bertrand

Read More

Strasbourg Forum Highlights Rights of Environmental Defenders

Strasbourg Forum Highlights Rights of Environmental Defenders

The first regional forum in Europe for environmental human rights defenders is taking place amid increasing challenges related to protest, participation, and justice access for campaigners.
This week, in Strasbourg, European institutions and UN rights bodies are gathering for the inaugural European Forum on Environmental Human Rights Defenders. The event aims to enhance protection for those advoc

Read More

Rubio Suggests Greenland’s Ties to Denmark May Change

Rubio Suggests Greenland’s Ties to Denmark May Change

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen recently announced a new coalition government, following a period of political uncertainty. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen remains in his role and is expected to continue as the main contact with the U.S. regarding Greenland.
Earlier this year, Trump’s attempt to purchase Greenland caused concern among European allies and led Denmark to

Read More

Do Posthumanist Ideals Challenge Our Understanding of Moral Agency?

Do Posthumanist Ideals Challenge Our Understanding of Moral Agency?

Current thinkers are questioning if posthumanist ideals are changing our understanding of moral responsibility. As technology increasingly blurs human-machine distinctions, the core of moral agency is facing unprecedented challenges. There are potentially risky changes in accountability, particularly when autonomous systems make critical decisions. However, these ideals also present significant

Read More

Ende des Außenkanzlers? Deutschlands Niederlage in New York

Ende des Außenkanzlers? Deutschlands Niederlage in New York

Germany experienced a significant foreign policy setback as it lost its bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, with Austria defeating it in the race. This outcome raises concerns and questions about the country’s diplomatic influence on the global stage.

Read More