“Intelligent surgery" refers to the integration of smart technologies into surgical practice aimed at enhancing precision, safety, efficiency, and outcomes. The term started gaining traction in the 2010s when clinicians began integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into medical imaging, robotic systems, and decision support tools.
Today, intelligent surgery typically includes advanced AI, robotic surgery systems with adaptive learning abilities, real-time intraoperative analytics, and smart operating rooms. According to one producer of digital surgical systems, their product was used in performing more than 2,683,000 procedures in 2024 alone—a 17% increase from the year before.
This issue of the Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal offers a fascinating snapshot of today’s cardiovascular care using robotics, imaging, and AI. It also provides a glimpse of the future and anticipates what will be needed to reach the next frontier of vascular intervention—advances that will require not only clinicians but engineers and researchers as well.
I extend my deepest thanks to the expert authors who have contributed their knowledge and insights, and I’m especially grateful to our guest editors, Stuart Corr, PhD, and Alan Lumsden, MD, for their guidance and dedication while curating this timely issue on vascular robotics in the era of intelligent surgery.
In addition to the valuable information shared here, I remind readers of the many topics featured in the Journal archives. You also will find many learning resources in our Special Collections of videos, case reports, and interactive CME cases. And we invite you to submit your own case reports. If you haven’t already signed up to receive our e-newsletter, be sure to subscribe now.
Miguel A. Quiñones, MD, MACC, FASE
Editor-in-Chief
Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal
Winters Family Distinguished Centennial Chair
in Cardiovascular Education, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center