Many recent trends in the healthcare industry have been influenced by fibre optics. Minimally invasive surgery, the increased use of disposable probes and catheters, and medical procedure automation all have an impact.
Because of the ability to precisely control and view tools inside the body in real time, robotics-assisted procedures and surgical tool miniaturisation have increased. New imaging-compatible sensors guide instruments in their work and contribute to the continued success of MRI, CT, and PET scans. Lasers are also increasingly being used in surgery. Medical Fiber Optics can direct instruments to specific locations on the body.
While these trends are generally positive, one disadvantage is that surgeons do not always receive the same physical feedback.
