The Beat With Joel Dunning Ep. 168: Humanoid Robots and AI in Surgery

This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning spoke with Dr. Aamir Amin, a cardiothoracic surgery resident at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, UK, about humanoid robots and artificial intelligence (AI) in surgery.

Dr. Amin shares his insights from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA) executive program on AI in healthcare, highlighting the program’s benefits and key takeaways. He also reviewed research on humanoid robots, including a paper titled “In Vivo Feasibility Study of Humanoid Robots in Surgery.” Additionally, they discussed the practical implementation of AI in surgery, its broader benefits, and its specific application within cardiothoracic and intraoperative settings. Finally, they explored the risks associated with humanoid robots and Dr. Amin provided guidance on the initial steps individuals can take to get involved with AI.

Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the STS expert consensus document (2026) on addressing definition and practices of sublobar resection in non-small cell lung cancer, ventricular free-wall rupture, ventricular pseudoaneurysm, and papillary muscle rupture complicating acute myocardial infarction, a case-crossover study of 293 patients on weather-related triggers of acute aortic dissection, and perivascular adipose on relaxation of internal thoracic artery with surgical implications.

In addition, Joel explores a VATS solution for ectopic primary hyperparathyroidism, left VATS pneumonectomy, and an episode of The Atrium podcast featuring host Dr. Alice Copperwheat speaking with Dr. Filip Casselman about aortic valve replacement.

Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.

JANS Items Mentioned

1. STS Expert Consensus Document (2026) on Addressing Definition and Practices of Sublobar Resection in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
2. Ventricular Free-Wall Rupture, Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm, and Papillary Muscle Rupture Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction
3. Weather-Related Triggers of Acute Aortic Dissection: A Case-Crossover Study of 293 Patients
4. Perivascular Adipose on Relaxation of Internal Thoracic Artery With Surgical Implications: Better Antispastic Effect of Pedicle Than Skeletal Grafts

CTSNet Content Mentioned

1. Navigating the Mediastinum: A VATS Solution for Ectopic Primary Hyperparathyroidism
2. The Atrium: Aortic Valve Replacement
3. Left VATS Pneumonectomy

Other Items Mentioned

1. Humanoid Robots in the Operating Room: A Framework for Staged Integration of Embodied AI in Surgery
2. In Vivo Feasibility Study of Humanoid Robots in Surgery
3. Human–Robot Collaboration in Surgery at the Nexus of Knowledge, Agency, and Ownership
4. Northwestern Medicine Performs First Known Quadruple-Organ Transplant Involving Retransplanted Lungs
5. Career Center
6. CTSNet Events

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