On July 14, the headline of the front page on the People’s Daily was devoted to a heavyweight article titled “To Build China into a Strong Cyber Power and Help with National Rejuvenation –Review on the Development of Chinese Network Communication Industry Led by CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the Core”. The review summarized a series of typical practices for the continuous renewal of the Chinese Internet development and governance since the 18^th CPC National Congress under President Xi’s important ideological guidance on building a country of strong cyber strength, through which, China is developing from a country of huge internet network into a major cyber power; the article also stressed that this is not only a historical opportunity that must be taken, but also a challenge of change that must be faced with.

 

In this article, the section “With the People, For the People, Sharing the Achievements of Internet Development by the People” wrote: “This is a vivid practice of benefiting Chinese people – Some physicians based in Jiangsu can perform surgery on patients thousands of kilometers away in Xinjiang? In June, 2022, China's first 5G ultra-remote robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery was jointly completed by Jiangsu Province Hospital and Xinjiang Kezhou People's Hospital. Though thousands of kilometers apart, this ‘Surgery On-Air’ breaks time and geographical constraints on resource allocation, which is a true embodiment of internet development benefiting Chinese People.”

 

The surgery mentioned in that article was the first of the three 5G ultra-remote urological surgeries, assisted by Toumai^® robot and successfully completed in last June, jointly by Jiangsu Province Hospital and Xinjiang Kezhou People's Hospital through 5G connection. All 3 surgeries were performed by Ninghong Song, President of Xinjiang Kezhou People's Hospital and Director Jie Yang’s team (Ninghong Song, Jie Yang, Jie Li, Yunqiang Shao, Maimaitijiang, Jinyong Tian), and completed on June 9^th, 11^th and 17^th, respectively. Conning Nanjing, Jiangsu and Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture (Kezhou), Xinjiang, which is spanning almost 5,000 kilometers across the land of China from east to west. They achieved, at that time, the 5G remote robot surgeries of the longest distance in the world, thoroughly breaking time and geographical constraints.

 

The successful completion of these surgeries marked a revolutionary breakthrough in 5G ultra-remote surgery in the field of minimally invasive surgery in China. It is a miracle in the history of minimally invasive urological surgery in China and even the world, representing the great achievements from the collective efforts and sweat of MicroPort^® people; it also sets up a good example and bring positive significance for continuous implementation of 5G ultra-remote robot-assisted surgery. This achievement attracts the attention and coverage of many mainstream authoritative media.

 

Remove All Obstacles and Prepare Meticulously

Overcome every technical problem to ensure surgical safety

 

For successful completion of the three 5G ultra-remote surgeries, MicroPort^® MedBot^® has made careful preparation in terms of personnel organization, equipment installation, technical support, protective measures, emergency response, etc., in order to push aside all difficulties and overcome pandemic-incurred obstacles. Especially when facing technical challenges such as real-time transmission of massive data and 3D image definition involved in 5G remote surgery, MicroPort^® MedBot^® team has focused on technical solutions one after another by using self-developed patented technology, ensuring that physicians from thousands of kilometers away can see clearly, act precisely, conduct stable and safe surgery, thus ensuring the normal surgical progress.

 

▲Toumai^® was installed at Kezhou People’s Hospital, as the first minimally invasive surgical robot in Southern Xinjiang

 

MicroPort^® MedBot^® team provided perfect technical solutions and preliminary preparations, while the hospital was also actively getting ready. Director Jie Yang is experienced in hundreds of successful robot-assisted surgeries. Yet to ensure the safety of later procedures, during surgery, he insisted on conducting many model simulations and animal experiments. “Director Jie Yang speaks highly of Toumai^® robot and becomes more confident in carrying out 5G surgery in the future.” Finally, the three 5G ultra-remote surgeries were done successfully in June, causing much of a stir within the industry.

 

After the successful completion of the surgeries, Ninghong Song, President of Xinjiang Kezhou People's Hospital said: “The success of this surgery is of milestone significance. With China's mature 5G technology and the first Chinese-made Toumai^® robot in Southern Xinjiang, surgical experts from Jiangsu and Kezhou may complete surgical operations in the virtual ‘OR On Air’, demonstrating China's breakthrough and leadership in 5G ultra- remote surgery. It also signifies a revolutionary breakthrough in surgical procedure from bedside robot-assisted surgery to 5G remote surgery.”

 

At Urology Department, Director Jie Yang said: “Let the information run more and patients run less. The popularization and application of such technological innovation will be conducive to the effective down-spreading and rational allocation of high-quality medical resources in the developed coastal areas of eastern China. It is a valuable practice and model innovation in response to the medical system reform executed by the National Health Commission of PRC.”

 

At Urology Department of the Jiangsu Province Hospital, Director Jie Li said after the surgery: “This successful 5G remote surgery reflects good performance of Toumai^® robot made in China and its stable compatibility with 5G network. Whether it is the clear and synchronized transmission of images or the precise operation of instruments, the remote surgery gives me satisfactory experience.”

 

On June 16, 2022, one week after the surgeries, two patients benefited from the Toumai^® robot-assisted surgery personally presented a banner to the team of Urology Department at Kezhou People's Hospital, expressing their praise, encouragement, and trust in the medical staff.

 

Recently, when the treated patient Abdu (pseudonym) was interviewed, he once again expressed his gratitude to the surgical team. “Although both President Ninghong Song and Director Jie Yang have returned to Jiangsu (note: President Ninghong Song and Director Jie Yang are both physicians from Jiangsu province assisting Xinjiang), I will never forget them in my life.” Behind all these gratitude and praises are also contributions from MicroPort^® people.

 

Multidisciplinary and Multiple Procedures

Toumai^®5G Remote Surgery drives the down-spreading of high-quality medical resources

 

At the beginning of the century, physicians from the US and France completed the world-renowned “Lindberg Surgery” through submarine optical cables, embarking on a great exploration of breaking free from geographical restrictions for remote surgery. However, it was short-lived due to its inability to solve the limitations of point-to-point physical connections and high communication costs. Nowadays, Toumai^® robot has made breakthrough in 5G technology and successfully conducted surgery thousands of kilometers away, fully demonstrating its R&D strength and technological advantages, laying the foundation for the development of “Made in China” and the down-spreading of high-quality medical resources from developed regions to remote areas.

 

After June 2022, following the strict and sufficient technical verification, animal experiments, and scientific research ethics verification, minimally invasive surgery experts assisted by Toumai^® robots in China have successively carried out 5G remote animal surgery demonstrations and multidisciplinary 5G remote clinical surgeries.

 

“Light of The Silk Road” – Demonstration of Remote 5G Robotic Surgery on Animal

Gansu Provincial Hospital

 

In August – September 2022, the team of Prof. Yuntao Ma from General Surgery Clinical Medical Center of Gansu Provincial Hospital, together with Shanghai MicroPort MedBot (Group) Co., Ltd. and China Telecom Co., Ltd. Gansu Branch, hosted a serial event of “Demonstration of Remote 5G Robotic Surgery on Animal”. Five demonstrations of remote 5G robotic surgery on animal were presented consecutively at Lanzhou New Area Branch of Gansu Provincial Hospital, Gansu Wuwei Tumour Hospital, Jiayuguan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Jiuquan People’s Hospital, and Jinta People's Hospital. It has proven the stability of the robot made in China and the superiority of China Telecom 5G technology. This event lasted for 15 days, with a total distance of approximately 3000 kilometers. During the event, advanced drones networking technology was combined with 5G technology outside the Jiayuguan, the “First Pass Under Heaven”, to ensure smooth communication. The first demonstration of 5G remote robot animal surgery skills outside of hospital environments in China was successfully completed, laying a technical foundation for future cooperation of outdoor surgical robot networks in remote surgery (complex surgical environments), and proving the stability and reliability of Toumai^® robot-assisted 5G remote surgery in complex environments.

 

The World’s First 5G Ultra-Remote Cholecystectomy

Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine

Zhejiang University Sir Run Run Shaw Alaer Hospital

 

On February 16^th, 2023, Toumai^® robot successfully completed China’s first robot-assisted ultra-remote 5G hepatobiliary surgery, which created a miracle in Chinese history of hepatobiliary surgery. This surgery was performed at two separate places 5000 km apart across China, connecting SRRSH Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Zhejiang University Sir Run Run Shaw Alaer Hospital in Xinjiang. It was operated remotely by Prof. Xiujun Cai from General Surgery Department of SRRSH Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and coordinated by the on-site team led by Zheyong Li, Vice President and General Surgery Director of Zhejiang University Sir Run Run Shaw Alaer Hospital. Toumai^® robot has once again broken the time and space limitations and successfully carried out new departmental surgeries, proving the industry journey that its remote 5G surgical capabilities are maturing, continuously leading robots made in China to optimize the distribution of regional medical resources and benefit patients in remote areas.

 

Kick-off Meeting of the Chinese-made Toumai^® Robotic 5G Remote Surgery

Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University

Dandong First Hospital

 

On February 18^th, 2023, the kick-off meeting of Chinese-made Toumai^® robot 5G remote surgery was held in Dalian, signaling that Chinese robot 5G remote surgery represented by Toumai^® robot would be officially implemented at Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, and MicroPort^® MedBot^® would jointly explore the application of 5G remote surgery with Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University and Dandong First Hospital. The successful launch of the ceremony also marked the beginning of the construction of a regional health center serving Northeast region with Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University as the base. Director Jun Wang said: “The updates and iterations of new technologies and equipment are advancing rapidly while China's independently developed high-performance medical devices are also catching up with Europe and America. The domestic surgical robot system has also been successfully launched, but it is still in its early stages in the gynecologic surgery. In this gynecological clinical research project, Chinese-made MicroPort^® Toumai^® has successfully assisted various gynecologic surgeries and can continuously complete multiple high difficulty surgeries, which could be seen as the new starting point and milestone for the Chinese-made robot in gynecology”

 

Prof. Shichao Han said: “Gynecological malignant tumors are the biggest killer to women's health. Once diagnosed, initial surgical treatment is undoubtedly the most important treatment method that determines the patient's survival and quality of life, and a strong guarantee for improving prognosis. Therefore, high-quality surgical methods combined with the concept of minimally invasive surgery will bring great benefits to patients. MicroPort^® Toumai^® robot made in China is equipped with rotatable wrist surgical instruments of multiple DoFs, with the degree of end rotation far exceeding the limit of human hands It is totally capable of handling complex gynecological surgeries. MicroPort^® Toumai^® robot has assisted successful, smooth and bloodless surgery for all three major gynecological malignant tumors, reflecting the excellent performance of surgical robot made in China.”

 

China’s First Online 5G Remote Thoracic Surgery on Animal

Shanghai Chest Hospital

 

In March 2023, China’s first robot-assisted online 5G remote thoracic surgery on animal was completed by Toumai^® robot. The surgery was performed by Professor Qingquan Luo from Shanghai Chest Hospital, and was successfully completed with the collaboration of Deputy Chief Physician Jia Huang, Attending Physician Jiantao Li, Attending Physician Long Jiang, Dr. Yu Tian, Dr. Honggui Zhu, and Anesthesiology Director Yaofeng Shen. This is the first breakthrough in thoracic surgery by Toumai^® robot, after it handled the 5G remote robotic surgery challenges in hepatic surgery, gastrointestinal surgery and urologic surgery.

 

The First 5G Remote Cholecystectomy in Northwestern China

The First 5G Remote Radical Gastrectomy in China

Gansu Provincial Hospital

 

On May 10^th, 2023, under the guidance of hospital President&Prof. Hui Cai and assisted by Toumai^® robot, the team led by Prof. Yuntao Ma from the General Surgery Clinical Medical Center of Gansu Provincial Hospital performed remote cholecystectomy in the operating room of the Lanzhou New Area Branch for 2 patients with gallstones at home hospital. This was also the first demonstration in North-Western China that perfectly combined 5G remote technology with surgical robot made in China; In the same month, Prof. Yuntao Ma's team also completed the first 5G remote robotic radical gastrectomy in China, achieving a new breakthrough in 5G remote robot gastrointestinal surgery.

 

“Light of The Silk Road” – Demonstration of Remote 5G Robotic Surgery on Animal

Gansu Provincial Hospital

Zhangye Second People’s Hospital

 

On May 28th, the 2023 204-Series Forum and “Light of the Silk Road” Demonstration of 5G Remote Robotic Surgery on Animal, jointly hosted by Gansu General Surgery Clinical Medical Center, Gansu Provincial Quality Control Center for General Surgery, and Gansu Provincial Hospital, in conjunction with relevant units, was held at Zhangye Second People's Hospital. During the surgical demonstration, the team of Prof. Hui Cai from Gansu Provincial Hospital, together with Shanghai training base 2500 kilometers away, presented the 5G robot remote basic skills demonstration, 5G robot animal remote cholecystectomy, 5G robot animal remote gastrointestinal surgery, 5G robot remote phantom surgery, 5G robot remote modular training, while the hospital experts provided on-site surgical guidance.

 

China’s First Animal Experimental Lobectomy at Shanghai and Xinjiang

Shanghai Chest Hospital

Kashi Prefecture Second People’s Hospital

 

In June 2023, Prof. Qingquan Luo from Shanghai Chest Hospital successfully completed the first robot-assisted animal experimental Lobectomy at Shanghai and Xinjiang, China using Toumai^® robotic system. The successful completion of this experiment signifies that the Toumai^® robot could break the space and geography limitations in thoracic surgery, extending it to thousands of kilometers away, widening the regions of surgical application and benefiting more patients with high-quality medical services.

 

The World’s First 5G Ultra-Remote Hepatectomy

Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine

Zhejiang University Sir Run Run Shaw Alaer Hospital

 

On June 18^th, 2023, Toumai^® robot successfully completed China's first robot-assisted ultra remote 5G hepatectomy, which created a miracle in Chinese history of hepatobiliary surgery. It was operated remotely by Chief Physicians Xiao Liang, a member of the team led by Prof. Xiujun Cai, President of SRRSH Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and and coordinated by the on-site team led by Vice Director Yuxin Fan and Zheyong Li, Vice President and General Surgery Director of the Hospital. Conducting site survey at Alaer region, Prof. Xiujun Cai, President of SRRSH Zhejiang University School of Medicine, said, “The development of new things is a process from simple to complex. We have completed the technological leap from remote cholecystectomy to remote hepatectomy in an extremely short time, making us confident in challenging more difficult and more complex surgical methods in the future.”

 

China’s First 5G Ultra-Remote Hysterectomy and Bilateral Appendectomy

The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital

Xinjiang Pishan County People's Hospital

 

On June 21st, 2023, Toumai^® robot made another breakthrough in 5G ultra remote surgery, completing the world's first 5G ultra remote robot-assisted total hysterectomy and bilateral appendectomy. This surgery was performed at two places separating over 4000 kilometers across China, connecting The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital and Xinjiang Pishan County People's Hospital. It was jointly completed by the team of Yuanguang Meng and Lian Li, Directors of OB Department of the Seventh Medical Center, and OB and OR teams from Pishan County People's Hospital. This surgery is another major breakthrough achieved by Toumai^® robot in assisting the completion of complex surgeries, setting up an important example for the development and application of 5G remote surgery in China.

 

The World’s First 5G Remote Radical Prostatectomy

The Frist Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine

Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University

 

On July 4, 2023, the Intelligent Training Center of the Frist Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (FAHZU) and the operating room of Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University (QZFAH) performed a surgery spanning thousands of kilometers. Through the China Telecom 5G network, the surgical team led by Prof. Dan Xia, Director of Urology at FAHZU, and Professor Wang Shuo, worked closely with the team led by Prof. Zhiyang Huang at QZFAH to complete the world's first 5G remote robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP) with the assistance of Toumai^® robot. This surgery is one of the most complex 5G remote surgeries. Due to the high difficulty of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, it requires precise completion of tedious and complex movements in the extremely narrow space of the abdominal cavity. Therefore, its successful completion represents a new milestone set by FAHZU in 5G remote surgery in China, and also indicates that Toumai^® robot-assisted 5G remote surgery is becoming increasingly mature in completing highly difficult and complex surgeries.

 

Gansu Provincial 5G Remote Robot Surgery Command Center Officially Opened

Gansu Provincial Hospital

 

On July 5^th, the Gansu Provincial 5G Remote Robot Surgery Command Center was officially launched, signifying the establishment and running of the “Central Nerve System” for 5G remote robot surgery in Gansu Province. The center will organize and undertake activities such as 5G remote robotic surgery guidance, training, and demonstrations throughout the province, aiming to better leverage the remote advantages of robots, promote regional medical development integration and homogenization, enable difficult cases to receive accurate diagnosis and reasonable surgical guidance, truly achieve the expansion and down-spreading of high-quality medical resources. This is of great significance for deepening the construction of medical consortia, remote collaboration, hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, and smart healthcare. Leaders of Gansu Provincial Hospital attending this opening ceremony included Hui Cai, the President, Lin Han, the Vice President, He Su, Director of General Surgery Cadre Ward, Yuntao Ma, Director of General Surgery First Ward, and Dongzhi Zhang, Director of Discipline Construction and Administration Office.

 

The World’s First 5G Remote Cystectomy

The Frist Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine

Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University

 

On July 8^th, the world's first four-arm robot assisted radical cystectomy + bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy + Bricker operation was successfully completed. It was a highly challenging and complex procedure conducted successfully and jointly by the team of Prof. Dan Xia /Prof. Shuo Wang from FAHZU and the team of Prof. Zhiyang Huang from QZFAH, via 5G networking with the assistance of the Toumai^® Four-Arm Laparoscopic Surgical Robot. This is another successful handling of 5G remote surgery challenge within 5 days, following the completion of 5G remote prostatectomy by the team of Prof. Dan Xia /Prof. Shuo Wang assisted by Toumai^® robot on July 4. The successive completion of a series of difficult 5G remote surgeries proves that Toumai^® robot-assisted 5G remote surgeries are becoming normalized in completing difficult and complex surgeries, helping physicians overcome difficulties and safeguarding the lives and health of more patients.

 

Henan’s First 5G Remote Surgery by Robot Made in China

The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University

 

In the morning of July 12, 2023, the team of Prof. Xuepei Zhang from the Urology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University successfully completed a 5G remote radical prostatectomy with the assistance of a Toumai^® robot, which was the first remote surgery performed in Henan Province using a robot made in China through a 5G network. The completion of 5G remote radical prostatectomy signals that remote surgery can be performed not only as simple operations, but also as complex and delicate minimally invasive procedures.

 

The First Robot-Assisted 5g Remote Unilateral Nephrectomy in Western China

Gansu Provincial Hospital

 

On July 13, with the assistance of Toumai^® robot, the team led by Fenghai Zhou, Director of Urology Department of Gansu Provincial Hospital, successfully completed the first robot-assisted 5G remote unilateral nephrectomy (Level 4) in Western China. This is another breakthrough in the practice of 5G remote robot urology surgery achieved by Director Fenghai Zhou’s team, following their completion of the first 5G remote robotic urologic surgery in Western China on May 24. It reflects also the Toumai^® robit-assisted 5G remote urologic surgery is getting more and more matured.

 

“Light of The Silk Road” – Demonstration of Remote 5G Robotic Surgery on Animal

Gansu Provincial Hospital

Gannanzhou People's Hospital

 

On July 15^th, the demonstration of 5G remote surgery on animal was held at the Gannanzhou People's Hospital. The site medical staff were extremely enthusiastic leaners and participants, they actively asked questions and exchanged ideas, demonstrating the eager anticipation of healthcare workers in our province for surgical robots made in China. Team of surgical robot led by Prof. He Su/Prof. Yuntao Ma from Gansu Provincial Hospital, together with Shanghai training base 2500 kilometers away, presented the 5G robot remote basic skills demonstration, 5G robot animal remote cholecystectomy, 5G robot animal remote gastrointestinal surgery, 5G robot remote phantom surgery, 5G robot remote modular training, while relevant experts provided on-site training for local medical staff, including 5G robot remote basic skills, remote phantom surgery, and remote modular training.

 

The World’s First 3-Consecutive 5G Remote Radical Prostatectomy

The Frist Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine

Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University

 

On July 20, with the assistance of Toumai^® robot, the world's first 3-consecutive 5G remote radical prostatectomy was successfully completed in a single day! The surgery was performed remotely through 5G connection by the urologic surgical team of Prof. Dan Xia/Prof. Shuo Wang from the Frist Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (FAHZU). Prof. Hao Pan from FAHZU headed to Quanzhou with his team to, together with Prof. Zhiyang Huang’s team from the Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, support the surgical treatment of local patients and ensured their surgical safety. Radical prostatectomy is one of the most difficult urologic surgeries. Completing 3-consecutive radical prostatectomy completed in a single day, all of which are 5G remote surgeries, means huge challenges to the surgeries and extremely high requirements for 5G signal transmission and surgical robot performance. The successful completion of the 3-consecutive surgeries not only verifies the strong capabilities and stable operation of Toumai^® robot 5G remote surgery, but also lays a solid foundation for the normalization of 5G remote robot minimally invasive surgery in urology in the future, as it can cope with highly difficult, highly complex and continuous surgical challenges.

 

The First 5G + AI Ultra-Remote Minimally Invasive Surgery by Domestic Robot in Eastern China

Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University

People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region

 

On July 25, Prof. Keqin Hua was leading his surgical team at Yangpu Branch of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, to perform surgery on a patient in Ningxia Province who was 2000 kilometers away and suffered from multiple uterine fibroids combined with anemia. With the assistance of Toumai^® robot, the first 5G+AI ultra-remote minimally invasive hysterectomy assisted by Chinese-made robot in Shanghai or even Eastern China has been successfully completed. During surgery, Prof. Keqin Hua, Chief Physician Xuyin Zhang, Vice Chief Physician Junjun Qiu stationed at Shanghai Surgical Command Center, also conducted real-time connection with staff visiting Ningxia, including OB Physician Yan Ding, Vice Director Shen Sun, Nurse-in-Charge WenjingGu, as well as the healthcare staff from People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, including Director Yang Fan, Vice Chief Physician Na Zhang, Anesthesiology Director Qingshan Ye, Head Nurse Shuxian Li, Head Nurse Yanfeng Yao, etc. They discussed the plan and adjust the instruments in a real time manner, ensuring efficient, smooth and precise surgical process.

 

Basing on the major project of the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University participated in the validation process of the domestic Toumai^® four-arm surgical robot system in gynecologic clinical application and provided an intuitive and authentic systematic evaluation. In an interview with reporter from China News Agency - China News Network, Prof. Keqin Hua said, “Through continuous communication with the engineering team, the clinical expert team has promoted product iteration and upgrading and achieved the application of the Toumai^® four-arm surgical robot system made in China in gynecologic clinical surgery. Its excellent safety and effectiveness, as well as its remarkable sensitivity, operational accuracy, lightness, and hemostatic effect during the surgical process, demonstrates that 'Made in China' has a bright future.”

 

Hot Topics Among the Media and Experts’ Credits

Breaking free from geographical and time constraints to benefit more patients

 

A series of world-first records marks the maturity of Toumai robot in assisting 5G remote surgery, leading the developmental trend of China's minimally invasive surgery industry and attracting widespread attention from domestic media.

 

Nearly a hundred authoritative central and local media outlets, e.g., CCTV, xinhuanet.com, people.net, chinanews.com, Zhejiang Satellite TV, BRTV, Zhejiang Daily, btzx.com.cn, Xinjiang Daily, have continuously reported and praised this.

 

In January 2023, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National Health Commission and 17 other ministries jointly issued the Implementation Plan for the “Robot+” Action Application Program, which clearly proposed to promote the accelerated application of new technologies and products, including robotic 5G remote surgery. This indicates that the implementation of robot-assisted 5G remote surgery has received clear support from relevant national policies, and also indicates that the innovative application of this clinical technology will shape a new medical landscape.

 

In February 2023, Prof. Xu Zhang Xu, an academician of the CAS Member and director of the Urology Department of 301 Hospital, visited MicroPort^® MedBot^® Group for inspection and guidance. Regarding the 5G remote surgical technology from Toumai^® robot, Academician Xu Zhang stated that, as one of the technological development directions for the future popularization of robotic surgery, 5G remote robotic surgery is of great significance for medical technology and resource down-spreading, building a regional medical community and benefiting patients in remote areas.

 

In June, Xiujun Cai, a member of the CPPCC National Committee and the President of SRRSH Zhejiang University School of Medicine, flew to Alaer, Xinjiang to personally witness Director Xiao Liang from SRRSH Zhejiang University School of Medicine operating the Toumai^® robot to perform the world's first 5G ultra remote hepatectomy. During an interview with CCTV, President Cai said that it took only 40 minutes to complete the removal of a huge vascular tumor in the left liver. The surgery was very successful, indicating that China's robot manufacturing has reached the international advanced level, and the implementation of such surgery will bring advanced medical technology to remote areas.

 

President Cai also pointed out that the penetration rate of China's surgical robot market is significantly lower compared to the international market. In the future, more grassroots hospitals will be equipped with surgical robots. Through 5G remote technology, we can achieve remote teaching about surgical robots at lower cost, cultivate and reserve talents for the local community, and effectively benefit patients.

 

On June 4, 2023, the 31st China International Information and Communication Exhibition, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, was held with a grand opening in Beijing and the first 5G Achievement Exhibition was held. MicroPort^® MedBot^® was invited to participate in a 5G remote surgical simulation demonstration, becoming the only 5G application scenario in the medical field at the exhibition. Minister Jin Zhuanglong of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology visited MicroPort^® MedBot^® exhibition booth to understand the application and achievements of 5G in smart healthcare, especially domestic Toumai^® robots in 5G remote surgery and watched a simulation demonstration of 5G remote surgery.

 

5G remote surgery is an effective medical model that breaks the limitations of time and geography, saves time for doctors and patients, reduces patient medical expenses, and improves treatment efficiency. It greatly expands the application boundaries of remote diagnosis and treatment, which has become a consensus among domestic experts in minimally invasive surgery.

 

Director Xiao Liang from SRRSH Zhejiang University School of Medicine stated that, using 5G remote robotic surgical solutions has saved doctors and patients from fatigue and time and energy. “In the future, ultra-remote robot surgery can be normalized, and patients in remote areas can receive surgery from doctors based in Hangzhou.”

 

Zhiyu Liu, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, stated that the meticulous research on 5G surgical technology by MicroPort^® Toumai^® robot is a positive response to the changing times and the developmental trend of Chinese robots. The rapid development of the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University and the increasing number of surgeries year by year are also inseparable from the acceptance and research of new technologies. We must seize the development trend of 5G and new technologies, fully leverage the efficiency of high-tech, and benefit more patients in this coastal city. In the near future, robot 5G remote surgery will also take root in hospitals across the country.

 

Director Qingquan Luo from Shanghai Chest Hospital stated that Shanghai Chest Hospital continues to pay attention to emerging research directions in robotics and closely communicates with MicroPort^® MedBot^®, hoping to bring better treatment outcomes, better surgical experience, and better quality of life to patients through robot technology. This clinical collaboration demonstrates the performance advantages of MicroPort^® Toumai^® robots in thoracic surgery and their forward-looking approach to surgical procedures. The R&D, clinical, and customer service teams of minimally invasive robots are able to provide professional support and respond quickly, which is impressive. We hope that Toumai^® robot can continue to deepen its cultivation, strengthen “Made in China”, and benefit more patients.

 

Prof. Yuntao Ma from Gansu Provincial Hospital stated that, the hospital will take the opportunity of performing 5G remote surgery to further standardize and optimize the robot training process, comprehensively improve the level of robot surgery in Gansu Province, optimize resource allocation, improve the accessibility of medical services, innovate service types, meet the various health needs of grassroots people, and assist in the construction of a healthy Gansu and a healthy China.

 

Director Zheng from 301 Hospital stated that, 5G remote surgery is an innovative application of new information and communication technology and medical technology, providing patients with a new choice of surgical methods. OB Department has always adhered to the concept of high-quality development, fully utilizing medical innovation technologies such as artificial intelligence in the Internet era, achieving the sinking of high-quality medical resources and the popularization and application of medical innovation technologies, benefiting more patients, and contributing to the high-quality development and construction of the General Hospital.

 

Prof. Dan Xia from The Frist Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine stated that, performing robot-assisted 5G remote surgery is of great significance. It breaks the time and geographical limitations of medical resource allocation. When providing medical assistance or responding to possible disasters and accidents in remote areas, it can improve the efficiency of patient and trauma treatment, reduce costs, and greatly expand the application boundaries of remote diagnosis and treatment.

 

Prof. Shuo Wang stated that, with the great expansion of human living space, such as diving, navigation, aerospace, or being in remote areas such as plateaus and deserts, when there is a need for patients in these areas without developed medical conditions and personnel, we can use remote surgery for rescuing and benefiting the people.

 

Prof. Xuepei Zhang from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University said: Remote robotic surgery is a revolution in surgical procedures. It is now the interconnection between hospitals and districts, and in the future, remote surgery will be implemented throughout Henan Province, allowing high-quality medical resources to down-spread and solving the problems of difficult and expensive medical treatment for patients.

 

Director Fenghai Zhou from Gansu Provincial Hospital stated that, the successful completion of 5G remote surgery with the assistance of Toumai^® robots is not only a reflection of domestic robots paying attention to frontline clinical practice and embracing medical needs, but also marks the international leading level of our urological robotic surgery. It is another milestone in the development of the urology department of Gansu Provincial Hospital, which focuses on cutting-edge technology and creates a first-class discipline.

 

Hua Jiang, President of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, stated that, in the process of building regional health centers, the hospitals have been committed to information technology construction and the application of 5G and AI technologies. This time, the 5G+AI service has been further upgraded, successfully achieving a breakthrough in 5G ultra-remote and difficult gynecological surgery, which is another successful attempt by the hospital on the path of intelligence. Taking this remote surgery as a new starting point, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University will continuously innovate and develop technological achievements, expand the application boundaries of remote diagnosis and treatment, solve the problems of imbalanced distribution of medical resources in the eastern and western regions, break through the time and space constraints of resource allocation, save medical time, reduce economic costs, and improve the local medical service level.

 

5G remote surgical technology is the technical innovation advantages of Toumai^® robot. Guided by the medical reform goal of “Less illness, Less hospitalization, Less burden, and Better Treatment for residents”, MicroPort^® MedBot^® Group will keep improving this technology, realizing the original intention of “eliminate difficult surgery around the world”, enabling remote areas to fully utilize 5G technology to improve medical diagnosis and treatment levels, creating more precise and convenient services to benefit more patients.