AI-guided robot for vascular lesions

Joao L. Vilaça

Applied Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Portugal

It is estimated that by 2050, 15 % of the world’s population will be over the age of 65. This will present a real health challenge, as well as an aesthetic one, since more and more people wish to maintain a youthful appearance. As a result, there is a growing market for laser interventions, which offer infection-free and minimally invasive therapies. In fact, some 17 million dermatological procedures are performed each year using this technology, a number that is expected to continue rising.

However, current laser therapies not only require manual handling and a physician to inspect the skin, but also sometimes lead to suboptimal treatments, undesirable side effects and discomfort for patients.

In this regard, the researchers on this project have developed a technology that integrates a medical robot guided by artificial intelligence, which allows a safer, easier and more effective laser treatment. It enables the physician to perform optimal management, from therapy planning to patient follow-up. The researchers have already tested this new technology in the treatment of chronic venous disorders that affect one in two adults worldwide.

The next step for this project will be to validate this technology as a medical device in a clinical trial on humans. To do this, they will finish incorporating all the required regulatory measures. The ultimate goal is to transfer this new device to the market.

Artificial intelligence collaborative robot for patient-specific laser treatment of vascular lesions

Stage 2