On March 21st, West China Hospital of Sichuan University held the ‘West China Hospital International Medical Robotics Conference’ in Chengdu and officially unveiled its International Remote Robotic Surgery Control Center. As one of the largest and most well-established remote surgery platforms in China, the Center promotes the cross-regional distribution of high-quality medical resources and enhances primary healthcare capacity through digital networks and intelligent technologies.

Opening Ceremony of West China International Remote Robotic Surgery Control Center

On March 20th, the Center completed seven remote robotic surgeries, covering multiple regions across Asia, Europe, and South America. Among them, a team of specialists in Chengdu remotely performed a complex liver surgery on a patient in Lhasa, over 2,000 kilometers away. The operation was successfully completed in three hours. On the same day, additional procedures were carried out for patients in other Chinese cities, while doctors from Poland and Brazil also conducted remote surgeries for patients in their home countries, covering general surgery, urology, and cardiac surgery.

The Center is equipped with an advanced robotic surgical system featuring high-definition 3D imaging, magnified visualization, tremor filtering, and intuitive control, enabling stable and precise remote operation. A multidisciplinary coordination mechanism and a 24/7 emergency response system ensure safety throughout the surgical process. In case of network or equipment failure, the local medical team can immediately take over control, ensuring patient safety.

According to the hospital, the Center will also serve as a platform for clinical research and talent development. Through remote demonstration and standardized training, it will enhance the skills of grassroots doctors and promote the application of cutting-edge technologies such as surgical robotics and artificial intelligence. The hospital stated that it will continue to improve a three-tier remote healthcare network comprising national-level centers, provincial hospitals, and county-level hospitals, promoting a more balanced distribution of healthcare resources and sharing China’s experience with the global medical community.