Distinctly Montana Magazine

H E A LT H Y W E L L & F I T S P E C I A L S E C T I O N 61 UV STERILIZATION ROBOTS REDUCE RATES OF HOSPITAL- ACQUIRED INFECTION Nobody thinks they're going to get treated at the hospital and then come out with an infection, but a startling percentage of people admitted to a hospital will contract a hospital-acquired infection (HAI). People undergoing a hospital stay are already often fighting a compro- mised immune system, and robots utiliz- ing a specialized UV disinfection can help prevent infection. These disinfecting robots are used in operating rooms, patient stay rooms, and other sensitive areas throughout hospitals, blasting the surface with UVC light after all manual cleaning processes have finished. Of the three types of UV light (UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C), UV-C has the highest effectiveness against viruses and bacteria that can contribute to HAIs, creating damage on the cellular level to harmful bacteria. CARE ROBOTS KEEP AN EYE ON PATIENTS AROUND THE CLOCK An aging popula- tion has begun to create the need for home-care robots, equipped with sensors that can help with everything from analyzing living conditions to prompt- ing medication reminders. Care robots help keep an eye on patients in assisted living facilities, or those who still live independently but need monitoring in day-to-day life. These robots can help reduce the need for costly home visits, and can provide peace of mind for family members who cannot provide consis- tent, in-person support. This helps increase the autonomy and mental well being of patients, while easing the burden of in-home care and visits. Assistive robots are currently being developed to take this to the next level. The next generation of home-care robots will have elevated abilities to interact with patients and AI technologies capable of "learning" communica- tion skills and responses based on individual needs. ROBOTIC-ARM-ASSISTED ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY INCREASES PRECISION Joint replacement surgery requires steadiness, and robotic arms provide enhanced stability and precision during the procedures. These machines are used in vari- ous orthopedic surgeries including hip, shoulder, and knee replacements. Each component of the artificial joint must be placed in perfect alignment, helping ensure the replacement joint and biological components function at the highest level possible. In preparation for these surgeries, CT scans are used to plan exactly what needs to be removed, and where each part is going to be placed. After the scan, robotic arms are used to follow the plan to the most minute detail. ARE INGESTIBLE ROBOTS THE NEXT FRONTIER? This is the only robotic aid on this list not yet in clinical use, but it represents a landmark in robotic advancement. An ingestible, pill-size robot called Origami is currently undergoing testing and simulations, and the plan is to use it in a variety of internal surgeries. The miniature robot is "folded" into a capsule, which is then swallowed by the patient. Once in the stomach, the robot unfolds and is operated by the sur- geon using magnetic fields. These robots have the potential to treat internal injuries, aid with bariatric surgeries, and help deliver medicine to the right place. Allowing operations to be performed from the inside will reduce the need for large incisions and potential resulting infections and lengthier healing times. The cutting-edge Da Vinci Xi system is used by Benefis Health System and Billings Clinic How robots help surgeries www.distinctlymontana.com/robot191 DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL 6 7 8 5

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