In a groundbreaking medical feat, Swiss surgeons successfully performed a long-distance endoscopic procedure using a PlayStation DualSense controller, usually associated with the PlayStation 5 gaming console. This pioneering surgery marked the first teleoperated endoscopy conducted with the gaming device, remotely controlling the operation over 9,300 kilometers away.
The procedure was part of a joint venture between the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s (CUHK) Faculty of Medicine and ETH Zurich. Surgeons in Zurich remotely operated on a sedated pig in Hong Kong, demonstrating the potential of telemedicine for remote surgical care.
Dr. Shannon Melissa Chan, assistant professor at CUHK, emphasized the significance of this technology, stating, “Teleoperated endoscopy offers not only remote surgical training and mentoring but also immediate diagnostic and surgical care in remote areas, particularly when local expertise is lacking.”
In addition to the DualSense controller, a PlayStation 3 Move controller was used during the experiment, further showcasing the potential for adapting gaming technology in medical settings. The successful operation opens doors to providing essential healthcare in areas where expertise is limited.
