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.