Malaysia: JAA Systems, in collaboration with TechKnow Malaysia, provided an audiovisual solution for the live broadcast of the 33rd Malaysian Urological Conference (MUC) at the SPICE Convention Centre in Penang, north of Peninsula Malaysia. Themed “Innovations in Urology: Integrating AI and Precision Surgery,” the conference brought together global leaders in urology to explore advancements in the field, with surgeries from Penang General Hospital broadcast live to over 150 international urologists from various parts of the world at the arena.

Organised as part of the pre-congress workshop, the event marked Malaysia’s first professional-grade live surgical broadcast production, enabling interaction between surgeons performing operations and moderators addressing the audience over 30km away.

For the broadcast, JAA Systems deployed Univiso’s UV100 Pro portable video encoders/decoders which enabled high-definition video point-to-point transmission via IP fibre, with 4G/5G transmission as backup for uninterrupted streaming. Telycam PTZ cameras and 4K nano-scope cameras captured the surgical visuals, controlled via compact video switchers, while Prodys Quantum ST audio transmitters delivered low-latency duplex audio communication for real-time interaction. Furthermore, CAME-TV headsets and microphones were used for communication between surgeons and moderators, while a Tascam Sonicview 16 mixer and silent PA system delivered audio to the SPICE Arena audience. The audience was able to switch to different audio channels to listen to two different OT surgeries while watching both of them in separate screens side by side.

“The event posed unique challenges, particularly with real-time audio communication between two surgeries and locations simultaneously,” noted David Chan, director of JAA Systems. “Ensuring flawless synchronisation between video and audio without delay was critical. Through rigorous pre-event testing and the deployment of top-tier broadcast equipment, we achieved the desired results with stunning visuals and crystal-clear audio. It exceeded everyone’s expectations.”

Aligning with the conference’s focus on AI and precision surgery, the live surgeries featured pioneering techniques such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and advanced endourological instruments for kidney stone surgeries. Attendees gained valuable insights by observing complex surgical procedures while interacting with the operating surgeons in real time.

“This event is a remarkable milestone, not only for JAA Systems and TechKnow Malaysia, but for medical education in Southeast Asia,” stated Harith Gautaman, CEO of TechKnow Malaysia. “By leveraging the power of cutting-edge broadcast technology, we have created an immersive and interactive learning environment that bridges geographic and professional boundaries. This is the future of medical conferences and I am proud to have been part of a team that made it happen.”

Dr Noor Ashani bin Md Yusoff, president of the Malaysian Urology Association (MUA), commented: “Dual simultaneous live surgery with direct telecast from the hospital operation theatre to the SPICE Arena, which is 30km apart with no transmission delays, is not a simple feat and the team has worked hard to produce the highest quality to keep the audience engaged. We as urologists are generally very welcoming towards new technology and keep incorporating it into our daily practice and events like this. We are glad that we in MUA had the pleasure of working with TechKnow Malaysia and JAA Systems.”

Dr Git Kah Ann, advisor of the 33rd MUC, echoed those sentiments: “The idea was conceived from following the progress of technology and incorporating it into the field of medicine and urology. I observed this after the pandemic and being able to travel the world again, observing the birth of concurrent remote live surgeries, broadcast live to the conference centre. We adapted and tweaked it to suit Malaysia. It’s enthralling to be the first and to set a benchmark for future live surgical conferences.”

Dr L Sivaneswaran Lechmiannandan, organising co-chair of the 33rd MUC, said that the urology live surgeries were a success: “This achievement not only underscores our commitment to excellence but also sets the stage for hosting advanced live surgeries from countries around the globe. This milestone will allow us to foster international collaboration and bring cutting-edge surgical techniques to our local urology fraternity, enhancing our collective expertise and patient care standards. We look forward to welcoming esteemed surgeons from around the world to share their knowledge and experience in future live surgical events.”

Dr Kumarappan Alagappan, chair of the pre-congress live surgery at the 33rd MUC, concluded: “The major challenge in organising the live surgery was bringing all the teams together to function as a unit. We had the international surgeons, our own local surgeon moderators both in the operating theatre as well as in the SPICE Arena, support staffs, medical equipment providers, supporting specialities like anaesthetist, radiologist and importantly the broadcast team who did the heavy lifting and made the transmission look so seamless. Extremely satisfied and happy that the event was a major success and has brought the live surgery scene in Malaysia to the next level. This was only possible with good planning and team effort.”