Scientific research and new innovations are the reasons why the mortality rate all around the world has gone down. New innovations in surgery and medicines save many lives everyday. One such example was recently seen in Florida.
Dr. Vipul Patel of Orlando, Florida, recently made history by performing the world’s first successful remote robotic surgery. The distance between a patient and a doctor- a staggering 7000 miles. The patient, Fernando da Silva, was in Angola, while Dr. Patel controlled the robotic device from Orlando. This momentous event established a new standard in the field of telesurgery. It also opened up new avenues for providing complex surgical treatment over long distances.
Dr. Patel used the cutting-edge Toumai® surgical robot from MicroPort MedBot™ to perform a robotic prostatectomy. He achieved this feat with remarkable precision despite the long distance between them. This surgery marks the successful end of two years of collaboration and development among international medical teams, telecom engineers, and regulatory organizations.
The procedure was made possible by a multimillion-dollar robotic system. The system is designed with ultra-low latency (less than six milliseconds). It is important for maintaining control and surgical safety. The device makes sure that the surgeon has greater visual clarity, dexterity, and control to work with. These features then result in fewer invasive procedures, less blood loss, and faster patient recovery.
🌍 FDA-Approved, Globally Impactful.
For the first time in history, the FDA has approved an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) human clinical trial for transcontinental robotic telesurgery—and it was led by Dr. Vipul Patel @vipulpatelmd, Executive Director of the Society of… pic.twitter.com/fgQ3J1I2lF
— Society of Robotic Surgery | SRS (@socroboticsurg) June 18, 2025
This innovative technology was developed and fine-tuned over several years. It combines high-resolution 3D imaging, haptic feedback, and secure data transmission to provide a seamless operating experience. Surgical accuracy with this precision was earlier only available to major medical centers in bigger and metropolitan cities. However, with this technology and other similar medical procedures, they will be able to save the lives of those living far away in small towns.
Dr. Patel emphasized on the humanitarian significance of this tech and its accomplishment. “This is not just about technology—it’s about extending care to people who’ve never had access to specialists,” he said.
The consequences are especially critical for rural and isolated areas of different countries on different continents. Even if a person could afford a surgery, the travel expenses sometimes can make it difficult to reach out for help. However, with such surgical interventions, saving lives could be easier now.
This an attempt to make healthcare available to everyone and not being restricted to only those who can pay for it. One of such attempts can be seen in Ghana. A mobile 3D telemedicine van has already begun to serve isolated villages. The vehicle takes detailed 3D scans of patients. It also allows remote teams to analyze and prescribe treatment without having the patient travel large distances.
Now that this procedure has been done successfully, Dr Patel and his team want to move ahead. They intend to submit the data for formal regulatory approval. They have a goal of standardizing remote robotic surgery for wider use.
Congrats to Dr. Vipul Patel, Dr. Moschovas, GRI, Angola team, & visionary leaders Dr. Patel & Pres. Lourenço for advancing healthcare equity! Honored to be part of this transformative African project & excited for the general surgery arm soon
Join us at #SRS2025 pic.twitter.com/DnrBkwXffo— Eduardo Parra Davila (@eparradavila) June 15, 2025
However, the team understands that safety is the paramount focus. The treatment in Angola was closely supported by an onsite surgical team. They were ready to assist in the case of a connectivity issue or a complication. The onsite team thus provided an extra degree of assurance.
Dr. Patel sees this technology being integrated everywhere in the world, including in rural areas of the United States. There are sometimes trauma situations or time-sensitive emergencies. During such situations, having instant access to top-tier surgeons can significantly improve outcomes, even if the surgeons are not onsite.
This pioneering surgery demonstrated that robotic telesurgery is no longer a distant dream. It’s here, and it could soon change the way the world thinks about healthcare delivery.
