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A universal translator for surgeons - Steven Schwaitzberg

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TED Talk

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Laparoscopic surgery uses minimally invasive incisions -- which means less pain and shorter recovery times for patients. But Steven Schwaitzberg has run into two problems teaching these techniques to surgeons around the world -- language and distance. He shares how a new technology, which combines video conferencing and a real-time universal translator, could help.

Additional Resources for you to Explore

The first documented laparoscopic surgery was performed on a dog in 1902. Read more about the history of laparoscopic surgery.Check out the official websites for FLS (Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery) and SAGES (Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons).Dr. Allan Okrainec and his team created the first ever training course in laproscopic surgery using Skype. Watch this video on Telesimulation Training.How exactly will Universal Translators work? It's not quite direct speech translation, but this iPhone app does translate text in real time!
And be sure to watch more talks about what's to come in this TED playlist on the future of medicine.

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  • Speaker Steven Schwaitzberg

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