In short, Dundee is big news right now! The Lithuanian-based Sentante recently reached a significant milestone in the realm of medical innovation with the successful execution of a remote thrombectomy procedure. The surgeons achieved this groundbreaking surgery leveraging novel robotics pioneered by Sentante. They performed the procedure on a human cadaver at the University of Dundee. The operation was a watershed moment in the care of stroke patients, proving that robotic remote surgery was indeed possible.
It was Professor Iris Grunwald who performed the thrombectomy procedure under the guidance from the command center. To make the prototype a reality, she collaborated with neurosurgeon Ricardo Hanel, who was more than 4,000 miles away — located in Florida. This transatlantic surgery not only showcased the capabilities of Sentante’s technology but highlighted its potential to transform how stroke treatments are conducted, particularly for patients in remote areas.
Sentante’s robotics enables physicians to do complex procedures remotely and even from home. That technology then records the doctor’s movements, allowing them to repeat those actions on a patient with the aid of robotics. In this case, a medic present with the patient was able to attach necessary wires, allowing Prof. Grunwald to conduct the procedure seamlessly from Dundee.
While the experiment was happening, Prof. Grunwald and Dr. Hanel were watching the progress live, tracking every single indentation as it happened. They ensured that each move was done flawlessly. Remarkably, Dr. Hanel required only 20 minutes of training to proficiently use Sentante’s technology, further highlighting the system’s user-friendly design.
Prof Grunwald said he was excited about the potential this technology could have on improving access to stroke treatment. She explained that it truly has the potential to change the entire face of medical treatment for individuals who suffer strokes.
“This technology would now provide a new way where you’re not depending on where you live – saving the valuable minutes where your brain is otherwise dying.” – Prof Iris Grunwald
The urgent nature of stroke treatment cannot be overstated. As Prof. Grunwald noted, “Every six minutes delay, you have a 1% less chance of having a good outcome.” These numbers really drive home the alarming need for swift action during a stroke emergency. They believe that means bringing the highest level of specialist care to each patient.
Juliet Bouverie, the Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, emphasized the significance of this breakthrough innovation. It has an integral part to play in addressing inequities in healthcare access. She pointed out that “for too long, people living in remote and rural areas have been deprived of access to thrombectomy.” The introduction of this technology promises to rebalance this inequity, potentially bringing expert stroke treatment within reach of patients regardless of their geographical location.
Sentante’s CEO, Edvardas Satkauskas, expressed his enthusiasm about the successful proof of operation of their technology. He touted the partnership between Dundee and Florida as “the most important meeting in the history of medicine.” The ability to connect robotic systems with traditional catheters and wires used by surgeons opens new avenues for surgical interventions.
The implications of this experiment are profound. Completing an acute thrombectomy remotely paves the way for more complex procedures to be done at long distance by robotic command. This innovation transforms how clinicians serve their patients. That’s huge, because it means we’re moving to more equitable healthcare solutions that are capable of keeping up with today’s rapid technological advancements.