Telecommunications company Beeline, together with Huawei and GMS Hospital have completed the first laparoscopy (a surgical procedure), using 5G technology in the 5G pilot zone located in Skolkovo (Russia).
The 5G pilot zone was rolled out in the operational block of the innovation center at Skolkovo, with the support of the Moscow Department of Information Technologies. Thanks to the work of all those involved, a cancer tumor was successfully removed with the use of a laparoscope and 4K camera connected to the 5G network, an anesthesiology console, several additional cameras, and the Huawei 5G multimedia whiteboard.
The project was a first-hand demonstration of the capabilities of the 5G broadband and its low latency. The operation was conducted with the support of remote medical experts, with relevant information exchanged via 4K video conferencing, facilitating communication between the operating surgeon and consulting specialists. This included the patient’s medical history, as well as real-time expert advice and instructions.
Skolkovo is one of several 5G pilot zones in the capital region. Over the past six months, innovators working across these centers have demonstrated how fifth-generation communication can be used in urban services, be it for road safety or in the field of entertainment. Thanks to 5G communications, medicine, and medical services are set to reach new heights, which, in the long run, are expected to improve the quality of life for citizens.
Expectations are that 5G will be widely used across Russian healthcare in the future. New generation networks will enable remote surgical procedures so that it will no longer be necessary to transport a patient to a specific clinic or specialist. Furthermore, 5G makes for more mobile and comfortable operating theaters, thanks to its ability to connect medical equipment wirelessly.
With 5G, remote consultations will reduce the need for travel, significantly saving both doctor and patient time. This will have a big impact on medical specialists, who spend more than 70% of their time travelling from one location to another for complex operations.
In addition, Beeline concluded an agreement with the Moscow Government concerning the joint development of communication services and information and telecommunication technologies in Moscow for five years, with an option to renew cooperation for the same period. According to the agreement, Beeline will move ahead with the implementation of pilot projects in the field of virtual and augmented reality, the Internet of things (IoT) and the concept of “smart city”.
