Multi-centric international 10-year review of surgical magnetic mechatronics in HPB, bariatrics, OB-GYN, urology and neurosurgery: minimally invasive technology, robot design & actuator-sensor fusion
In brief
Magnetic surgical devices reach sub-millimetre precision in five specialties
A systematic review of 187 studies from 2016-2026 found magnetically actuated instruments consistently achieved sub-millimetre positional accuracy and expanded workspaces for retraction and anchoring in hepatopancreatobiliary, bariatric, gynecologic, urologic and neurosurgical procedures. Thermal saturation and lack of large-scale clinical trials remain barriers, highlighting engineering challenges before routine adoption.
- Journal
- Journal of robotic surgery (Q1)
- Published
- 4 August 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review of cohort studies
- Evidence level
- Level 2, Moderate (CEBM 2a)
- Authors
- Jose Cornejo, Mariela Vargas, Jorge Cornejo, Raul Sebastian, Renzo R Maldonado-Gómez, Christian A Macias, et al.
- PMID
- 42550344
- DOI
- 10.1007/s11701-026-03679-w
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Neurosurgery (top studies of the week, 9 August 2026).
Abstract
Magnetically actuated surgical systems represent a disruptive class of mechatronic devices that offer a promising approach to enhance minimally invasive (MIS) procedures by reducing tissue trauma. This literature systematic review synthesizes 10 years evidence, from 2016 to 2026, on magnetic mechatronics and robotics in hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB), bariatric, gynecologic, urologic, and neurosurgical applications, focusing on design principles, actuator-sensor fusion, and performance compared to non-magnetic systems. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched Scopus using specific Boolean strings for magnetic actuation in the surgical field. Eligibility required experimental validation and clinical translation, prioritizing Q1 and Q2 journals. After title, abstract, and full-text screenings, 187 of 68,956 studies were included. Data extraction focused on technical metrics like coupling efficiency and positional precision, alongside clinical outcomes such as safety and invasiveness. In this sense, a narrative synthesis grouped findings by mechanism and specialty. In correlation, key findings highlight coupling models such as dipole-dipole and gradient-driven force transmission. Indeed, performance envelopes showed sub-millimetric accuracy and improved workspaces for retraction and anchoring over conventional tools, though thermal and saturation limits persist. These systems demonstrate potential for multispecialty translation, establishing a mechatronic framework to guide future platform designs. Limitations include prototype heterogeneity and limited large-scale clinical data. This analysis underscores engineering constraints and opportunities for advanced actuator-sensor integration in MIS procedures.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.