Enhancing telesurgical safety with predictive digital twin synchronization: a framework for latency compensation in robotic surgery
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study addresses the critical challenge of master-slave latency in robot-assisted telesurgery by introducing a Digital Twin Visual Assistance (DTVA) system. DTVA integrates parametric 3D modeling and virtual endoscopic visualization within a tri-layered architecture to enable real-time bidirectional synchronization. The system was evaluated on a geographically distributed robotic platform using programmable latency emulation. Results demonstrated that DTVA maintained spatial precision within 2 mm error under typical conditions and reduced peg-transfer completion time by 13.6% under 900 ms communication latency while lowering operator workload by 27.2%. Clinical validation through teleoperated radical nephrectomy under 300 ms communication latency confirmed feasibility, with all procedures completed successfully without complications and favorable perioperative outcomes. The study establishes DTVA's capacity to mitigate latency effects and demonstrates preliminary clinical feasibility for telesurgical procedures.
Source: npj Digital Medicine
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,090
Awards: G5010344114, G5330747559
OpenAlex ID: W7123789275
