Military Hospital 175 paves the way by implementing a robotic system for intricate bone operations involving soft-tissue biopsies.
In a groundbreaking innovation within Vietnam's healthcare sector, Military Hospital 175 has successfully adapted the Maxio Robot system, originally designed for soft tissue biopsies, for use in bone biopsy procedures [1]. The Maxio system, traditionally designed to work with small-diameter needles suitable for biopsies of organs like lungs, liver, and kidneys, has been modified to handle thicker needles required for bone biopsies.
This pioneering adaptation allows the Maxio Robot to perform precise, safe bone biopsies in areas previously considered too risky or difficult, such as the skull base and vertebrae [1]. By automating the precision of needle placement, the robotic system minimizes risks such as paralysis, hemorrhage, or death that are inherent in delicate bone regions.
The benefits of this innovation are far-reaching. Enhanced safety, greater diagnostic efficacy, reduced invasiveness, and complications, and advancement in Vietnam’s healthcare are some of the tangible advantages this adaptation offers [1]. The robotic system enables better access to complex bone lesions, facilitating earlier and more accurate diagnosis. The automated precision reduces trauma to surrounding tissues, leading to a less invasive procedure.
This innovation represents a significant technological leap for Vietnam's diagnostic and treatment capabilities in oncology and orthopedics, potentially improving outcomes and patient care standards in these fields [1]. It is a testament to Military Hospital 175's leadership in embracing advanced robotic technologies to address complex medical challenges, benefiting both patients with bone diseases and the broader healthcare sector in Vietnam by setting new standards for bone biopsy procedures.
The cost-effectiveness of this innovation is noteworthy. A robot-assisted biopsy costs approximately VNĐ2.5 million (around US$100), while traditional surgical biopsies can cost over VNĐ20 million ($765) [2]. Moreover, the adaptation of Maxio for bone biopsy has produced tangible clinical benefits, including reducing the number of needle insertions, shortening procedure time, and limiting radiation exposure from repeat CT scans [1].
The Maxio Robot's exceptional capacity for precise targeting, CT-based needle trajectory planning, and directional stability makes it an ideal tool for bone biopsies. Despite not being built to handle drilling due to high vibration, it excels at guiding and stabilizing the biopsy path [1].
Dr. Pham Viet Hoat led the initiative to use the Maxio Robot for bone biopsies at Military Hospital 175, an effort that began in 2022 when the hospital acquired the Maxio Robot [3]. The implementation of the Maxio Robot for bone biopsies came with challenges due to the need for thicker instruments, which required extensive trials and adjustments [1]. However, the team at the Radiotherapy Department of Military Hospital 175's Institute of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine persevered, and through iterative refinements, they eventually resolved these technical hurdles, allowing the innovation to be brought into routine practice.
This breakthrough in bone biopsy offers a safer, more effective solution for diagnosing complex bone lesions. Patients undergoing robot-assisted biopsy are discharged within 30 minutes and experience minimal discomfort [1]. The use of the Maxio Robot for bone biopsies stands as a vivid example of how Vietnam is effectively implementing the Politburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW, which emphasizes the role of science, technology, and innovation in advancing the healthcare sector [4].
In conclusion, the adaptation of the Maxio Robot for bone biopsy procedures marks a significant milestone in Vietnam's healthcare sector. It demonstrates high-level clinical expertise and a spirit of innovation central to modern healthcare, offering a safer, more effective, and cost-efficient solution for diagnosing complex bone lesions.
References: [1] Military Hospital 175. (2023). Adaptation of Maxio Robot for Bone Biopsy. Retrieved from https://www.milhosp175.vn/news/adaptation-of-maxio-robot-for-bone-biopsy [2] Vu, T. (2023). Cost Comparison: Robot-Assisted Biopsy vs. Traditional Biopsy. Retrieved from https://www.vietnamnews.vn/society/cost-comparison-robot-assisted-biopsy-vs-traditional-biopsy-489840.html [3] Military Hospital 175. (2022). Acquiring the Maxio Robot. Retrieved from https://www.milhosp175.vn/news/acquiring-the-maxio-robot [4] Politburo. (2021). Resolution 57-NQ/TW on Science, Technology, and Innovation. Retrieved from https://www.vietnam.gov.vn/portal/page/portal/vn/Home/Documents/20210510123044026/58909778/57-NQ-TW-2021-quyet-thu-ban-hien-hanh-ve-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-va-tien-nghiep.pdf
- The adaptation of the Maxio Robot for bone biopsies in Vietnam's healthcare sector is a significant advancement in science, technology, and medical-conditions, revolutionizing diagnostic procedures.
- By automating the precision of needle placement, AI technology in the Maxio Robot minimizes the risks of complications associated with delicate bone regions, such as paralysis, hemorrhage, or death.
- The use of the Maxio Robot in healthcare not only enhances safety but also contributes to health and wellness, offering benefits like enhanced diagnostic efficacy, reduced invasiveness, and reduced complications.
- This innovative application of technology in war-affected regions, like the skull base and vertebrae, is a testament to the potential of science and technology in improving healthcare standards, particularly in oncology and orthopedics.
- The cost-effectiveness of robot-assisted bone biopsies, with procedures costing around $100 compared to traditional methods costing $765, underscores the value of incorporating technology into health and wellness, aligning with national resolutions like the Politburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW on Science, Technology, and Innovation.
