Biopsies at the Supermarket
Researchers at Duke University are developing robotic technologies that they believe could change the way patients undergo ultrasound-guided diagnostic biopsies and other medical procedures. The team has been making steady progress with their inventions. The latest version of the suitcase-sized robot combines three-dimensional ultrasound imaging for guidance with six articulating joints to replace the hands of a physician and enable it to perform biopsies. The ultimate goal is to eliminate humans and automate a variety of medical procedures while at the same time making them more accessible and less expensive.
Dr. Steve Smith, one of the Duke investigators, was quoted as saying "Eventually you could have a $10 biopsy done inside in a supermarket." What's next, an automated kiosk at the mall where you can get a 50-cent gallbladder sonogram?
Read more about the Duke robotic research here: