[China Tech] Locally Developed Spinal Surgery Technique Attracts Overseas Experts

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A locally developed spinal endoscopy surgical tool enables doctors to perform minimally invasive operations with greater effectiveness, precision, and safety. This innovation has drawn overseas experts to travel to Shanghai to learn about the new technology.

Two training centers have opened in Japan and Thailand, and more are expected in Russia, India, and Indonesia, according to Dr He Shisheng of Shanghai East Hospital, the developer of the new surgical system.

The first international conference aimed at promoting spinal endoscopy and innovative techniques was held in Shanghai over the weekend. Nearly 100 experts from nine countries participated, attending a surgical demonstration and engaging in discussions to share their insights.

"It is the first international conference of the new technology, which means recognition from the international medical field," said He. "Many overseas experts expressed strong interest and contacted us to learn about the new technology."

Western countries have been responsible for the development of nearly all existing minimally invasive devices, whereas China has only introduced a limited number of innovative alternatives. According to He, this particular set of equipment is among the few tools developed domestically.

In traditional spinal endoscopy, doctors are limited to performing simple surgeries using specialized equipment due to space constraints. He and his team spent five years developing the world's first V-shaped bichannel spinal endoscopy instrument with two surgical routes.

"This system allows doctors to perform more complex operations, enhance patient safety, and decrease surgical trauma," he said. "We have clinical guidelines for its use. Nearly 100 domestic hospitals have adopted this new tool, and international colleagues are taking notice."

Dr Santosh Tripathi from India arrived in Shanghai a week before the conference to observe He in surgery.

He was excited about the new technology and plans to introduce it in India soon.

"This bichannel system is an improvement over the previous device, which had only one channel. This allows the surgeon to monitor the entire procedure from the other channel, ensuring safety. This is crucial," he noted.

"I learned about the new technology through Facebook and Google, then reached out to Dr He and his team. I am eager to bring it back to India to benefit our patients."

Dr He said his team is exploring ways to utilize artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to enhance the system and provide surgeons with real-time feedback.

"This will represent another significant advancement in spinal surgery," he said.