Flexible fiberbotic laser scalpels: Material and fabrication challenges

Rapidly developed fiber lasers have shown great potential in interventional urology, inspiring the use of advanced laser delivery to meet the demand for manipulation in other complex surgical scenarios. While medical robots are enhancing precision in the field of minimally invasive surgery, laser ablation has been demonstrated as a promising candidate compared to traditional mechanical cutting tools in interventions. Nevertheless, based on their ablation mechanisms, the advantages of lasers are still not fully leveraged. In this Perspective, we outline how fiber-shaped robots combined with laser scalpels are primed to emerge as the next generation of medical robots to achieve minimally invasive surgery. We review the mechanisms involved, analyze their applications, and discuss several prospects for future applications.