Advanced devices for the operating room of the future.

The huge changes brought about by minimal access surgery in the last 15 years tell us much about the dynamic state of surgical technology and the need for sudden accommodation to a new item or concept that has captured the public eye. The minimal access technology invites us to extrapolate improvements in ergonomics and visualization and the combination of diagnostic and therapeutic motives in the operating room. The need for proper sensors to provide haptics to our instruments is high. Smart materials, smart catheters, wireless connectivity, and integrated technology for plug-and-play use are very attractive subjects that will draw many resources toward their successful application to operating room issues. Collaboration among institutions and industry will be useful to achieve efficiency, synergy, and the critical mass of talent to solve the significant problems ahead.