First Zero-G Surgery Succeeds on Human Patient

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In summary, French doctors conducted the world's first ever operation on a human in zero gravity on Wednesday, successfully removing a benign tumour from a volunteer during a 3-hour flight. This was part of a program backed by the European Space Agency to develop techniques for future robotic surgeries in space. The team leader stated that the feasibility test was a success and that a human can be operated on in space with minimal difficulties. The conversation also mentions a science program on the science channel about a mission to Mars and the difficulty of a simulated surgery on a dummy.
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Ivan Seeking
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This story is a little over a year old but just came to my attention.

French doctors carried out the world's first ever operation on a human in zero gravity on Wednesday, using a specially adapted aircraft to simulate conditions in space.

During a 3-hour flight from Bordeaux in southwest France, the team of surgeons and anaesthetists successfully removed a benign tumour from the forearm of a 46-year-old volunteer.

The experiment was part of a programme backed by the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop techniques for performing robotic surgery aboard the International Space Station or at a future Moon base.

"We weren't trying to perform technical feats but to carry out a feasibility test," said team leader Dominique Martin after the flight. "Now we know that a human being can be operated on in space without too many difficulties." [continued]
http://space.newscientist.com/article/dn10169-doctors-remove-tumour-in-first-zerog-surgery-.html
 
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Ha ha, we both saw it on the science channel right? Mission to mars?Pretty cool science
 
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Mars Rising. :biggrin: Apparently the surgery looked more difficult than it was. The gal trying to insert the trache in the dummy was having quite a time though. She finally sat on his chest and grabbed his neck with her legs! :rofl: I don't think that is an accepted medical practice.
 

1. What is zero-G surgery?

Zero-G surgery refers to a surgical procedure that is performed in a zero-gravity environment, such as in outer space or during parabolic flights. It is also known as microgravity surgery.

2. How was the first zero-G surgery performed on a human patient?

The first zero-G surgery was performed on a human patient using a specialized surgical device that was specifically designed for use in microgravity. The device uses suction and a flexible drill to make incisions and remove tissue. The surgery was performed on a patient aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in collaboration with the European Space Agency and the Russian Federal Space Agency.

3. What were the challenges of performing zero-G surgery?

One of the main challenges of performing zero-G surgery is the lack of gravity, which can make it difficult for surgeons to control their movements and maintain stability. Other challenges include the effects of fluid shifts in the body, limited space and resources, and the potential for equipment malfunctions in a space environment.

4. What are the potential benefits of zero-G surgery?

Zero-G surgery could potentially allow for more precise and less invasive surgeries due to the lack of gravity and the ability to manipulate tissue without the effects of gravity. It could also open up the possibility of performing surgeries in space, such as on astronauts who may develop health issues while on long-duration missions.

5. Are there any ethical concerns surrounding zero-G surgery?

Some have raised ethical concerns about the safety and potential risks of performing surgery in a zero-gravity environment, as well as the potential for unequal access to this type of surgery for those who can afford to travel to space. There are also questions about the need for such surgeries in space and the potential impact on the human body in a microgravity environment.

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