In surgical suites where visibility and precision drive patient outcomes, autonomous technology is making new inroads. In Santiago, Chile, a team at Clínica Las Condes used the MARS system—a surgery platform developed by Levita Magnetics—to conduct what the company reports is the first gallbladder procedure using an AI-guided autonomous surgical camera. The technology aims to reduce reliance on manual camera assistance and streamline the complexity inherent in minimally invasive operations. Integration of artificial intelligence into surgical procedures opens new dimensions for computational support in real-time, with implications for efficiency and surgeon control. Clinical staff noted that the combination of AI, robotics, and magnetic technology reshapes the surgical environment while hinting at broader deployment in the coming years.
Previous news surrounding Levita Magnetics has largely focused on the broader adoption of its Magnetic Surgical System (MSS) and incremental FDA approvals for its MARS platform in various procedures, such as bariatric, prostate, and hiatal hernia repairs. Past coverage chronicled over 1,000 worldwide MARS system cases and highlighted the company’s awards in dual-robot surgeries. Unlike earlier advances, this recent event centers specifically on camera autonomy provided by artificial intelligence, distinguishing it from earlier milestones that involved enhanced instrumentation and magnetic positioning. Reports this year also mentioned international case expansion and extended regulatory clearances, setting the stage for the latest milestone.
How Does the AI Camera Work in Surgery?
The MARS platform utilizes advanced magnetic technology alongside robotics to autonomously position a surgical camera during procedures. Instead of a surgery assistant manually operating the camera, the embedded AI software maintains continuous visualization of the surgical field, automatically adjusting the camera to keep the surgeon’s instruments in view. This process uses a Stryker 1788 4K camera and eliminates interruptions previously caused by human operation, minimizing staff requirements and aiming for greater stability.
What Benefits Do Surgeons Experience?
Surgeons operating the MARS system report direct control without depending on an assistant. According to Dr. Ricardo Funke, chief of surgery at Clínica Las Condes,
“With the MARS system, I already have direct control of the camera without relying on a first assistant. Now, with AI, the system can automatically keep my instruments in view. That autonomy gives me a stable, precise field of vision and allows me to focus entirely on the surgery itself.”
The uninterrupted and steady field of view is particularly critical for high-frequency operations such as cholecystectomy, as noted by clinic staff and Levita Magnetics representatives.
Will AI Adoption Impact Surgical Teams and Costs?
Levita Magnetics expects AI-guided tools to impact operating room workflows through potential time savings and reduced personnel needs. Dr. Funke expressed his outlook,
“Looking ahead, this kind of autonomy has the potential to save time in the operating room, reduce staffing needs, and ultimately lower costs for hospitals while improving patient outcomes.”
While AI-driven autonomy is still in early stages and the camera system has yet to receive U.S. regulatory clearance, such developments may prompt reevaluations of surgical team structures and hospital budgeting in the future.
Greater digital integration in surgery is not limited to visualization. Levita Magnetics has demonstrated compatibility with augmented reality tools, such as Meta Quest headsets, and dual-robot surgical procedures. This incremental progress towards more comprehensive AI and robotic assistance suggests that digital support systems could soon extend beyond camera positioning to other critical functions in the operating room.
The emergence of the AI-powered camera in Levita Magnetics’ MARS system maps an evolution within minimally invasive surgery where daily routines are steadily augmented by autonomous support. While regulatory clearance remains a hurdle for some regions, trials and initial results highlight how computational intelligence might optimize operative tasks through precision, stability, and workflow efficiency. For hospitals considering adoption, learning curves, hardware integration, and data security will be key factors. Medical practitioners should also evaluate the influence of such automation on staffing, training, and direct patient impacts. As adoption widens, continuous data collection and clinical validation will be crucial for establishing best practices and understanding long-term benefits and limitations.
