A Review of Robotic Thoracic Surgery Adoption and Future Innovations

Abstract

The embracing of new technology and surgical innovation has been one of the hallmarks of cardiothoracic surgery. The adoption of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was the paradigm-changing perspective shift that has enabled an entire culture of minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery. From this foundation robotically assisted thoracic surgery has developed into mainstream practice. The aim of this review is to recount the technological and academic milestones of the past as well as describe future technological innovations that will shape the future of thoracic robotic surgery.

Keywords: Endoscopy; Esophageal; Lung cancer; Nanoparticles; Robotic surgery; Soft robotics; Surgical innovation; Thoracic oncology.