Even in the highly technical world of brain surgery, the success of an operation still depends largely on the experience and ability of surgeons.
But this may change dramatically with the introduction of "smart" surgical care units, in which everything from computer monitors and robotic arms to microscopes and sensors are connected via the internet to help doctors follow the right course of action.
A prototype of an advanced version of such units, the Smart Cyber Operating Theater (SCOT), was showcased Thursday at Tokyo Woman's Medical University in Shinjuku Ward. The project was funded by the state-backed Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).