The key is information at developing systems for computer-integrated interventional medicine in which human physicians, technology, and information systems work cooperatively. Combing all the information of an individual patient including medical images with that of people in general, we produce some sort of computer representation – which we call a model. We can use it for appropriate technology to assist the surgeon, such as to diagnose the patient’s condition, formulate a treatment plan, and to verify if planned intervention was completely done. Because the information generated can be saved, we can use the result to improve treatment processes for future patients. I believe that synergy of treatment process between individual patients and future patients has potential to make profound improvement in both the quality and cost-effectiveness of health care delivery.
I actually have developed various medical robotics and systems: prototype of hip replacement surgery assistant robot “ROBODOC,” surgical assistance system for craniofacial osteotomies, visual fixtures which we use information and function to help control the robot’s motion to assist a surgeon and so on.
One of the key lessons that I have learned is the importance of working in teams of members from many different fields. In addition, it is extremely rewarding to meet someone whom our technology has helped.
The emerging three-way partnership between physicians, technology, and information can enable development of novel ways of treating patients while at the same time by promoting better outcomes and more-cost effective treatment processes, we can address a serious and growing need in our society