Dundee, US Surgeons Pioneer World’s First Robotic Stroke Surgery
Surgeons from the University of Dundee in Scotland and a medical team in the United States have successfully completed a significant advancement in stroke treatment. They performed the world’s first remote robotic stroke surgery, marking a pivotal moment in medical technology.
Innovative Robotic Stroke Surgery
Professor Iris Grunwald led the procedure at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, while a human cadaver was situated at the University of Dundee. Following this, Dr. Ricardo Hanel in Florida remotely executed a transatlantic surgery on a separate cadaver located in Dundee, demonstrating the feasibility of long-distance surgical collaborations. This innovative surgery was made possible using robotic technology developed by the Lithuanian company Sentante.
Transforming Stroke Care
The remote thrombectomy aimed to remove blood clots post-stroke and has been described as a “game changer” for stroke care. Delays in receiving specialized treatment can significantly affect patient recovery. Professor Grunwald expressed optimism about the potential of this technology, remarking, “It felt as if we were witnessing the first glimpse of the future.”
The experiments utilized fluid imitating human blood and were conducted using four donated cadavers. These procedures took place last month and offer the first evidence that a robotic system can perform an entire thrombectomy using real human bodies.
Addressing Inequities in Stroke Treatment
Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, highlighted this robotic advancement as a “remarkable innovation.” She emphasized that individuals in remote and rural areas often face inequalities in stroke treatment access.
- In Scotland, only three locations offer thrombectomy services: Dundee, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
- Last year, there were 9,625 reported ischaemic strokes in Scotland.
- Only 212 (2.2%) of patients underwent thrombectomy procedures.
- In the UK, only 3.9% of stroke patients received a thrombectomy in the year ending March 2024.
How the Technology Works
This robotic technology allows a surgeon to perform a thrombectomy remotely by using connected catheters and wires. The medical professional can manipulate these instruments in real-time, even from thousands of miles away, thus enabling patients to receive urgent care regardless of their location.
The experiments proved that the procedure could be effectively monitored through live X-ray imaging, maintaining a time lag as low as 120 milliseconds, according to Dr. Hanel.
The Future of Robotic Stroke Surgery
Professor Grunwald noted two major challenges in conventional thrombectomy procedures: a global shortage of qualified surgeons and geographic limitations affecting access to care. This technology aims to eliminate those barriers, improving access and saving precious time during emergencies.
Both the University of Dundee and Sentante are set to push forward with clinical trials next year, with aspirations of making advanced stroke treatments widely available.
Edvardas Satkauskas, CEO of Sentante, declared, “Sometimes, the future is way closer than we think,” reflecting the optimism surrounding this groundbreaking technological advancement.
