For the first time in Chile, a gallbladder surgery was performed solo with artificial intelligence assistance, showcasing the future of surgical medicine.
In a historic milestone for Chilean medicine, Ricardo Funke, chief of surgery at Clínica Las Condes, performed the country’s first solo surgery assisted by artificial intelligence (AI).
The laparoscopic gallbladder procedure was carried out without manual intervention on the camera, using technology developed by Chilean startup Levita Magnetics.
The system, called MARS, combines artificial intelligence with magnetic technology to autonomously guide the camera inside the patient during laparoscopy. Traditionally, such surgeries require human assistance to adjust the camera’s angle and focus, but MARS eliminates this need.
“We are taking the first real step towards surgical autonomy, transforming how complex procedures are performed and how patients experience surgery,” said Alberto Rodríguez Navarro, founder and CEO of Levita Magnetics.
During the operation, the camera automatically followed the surgeon’s instrument movements, providing a stable and precise visual field. “With AI, the system can automatically keep my instruments in view. This autonomy allows me to fully concentrate on the surgery,” explained Funke.
This procedure represents a significant advancement in the use of artificial intelligence in medicine, demonstrating how technology can complement human skill to enhance precision and surgical efficiency.
The MARS system, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is already in use in other countries and authorized for procedures such as gallbladder, bariatric, colorectal, prostate, and hiatal hernia surgeries.
Levita Magnetics states that the technology could quickly expand, boosting surgeon autonomy and improving patient safety and experience.
