Scots and Americans physicians create medical history! Previously, each robotically assisted endovascular procedure focused on a single type of stroke. Professor Iris Grunwald, University of Dundee, UK and Dr. Ricardo Hanel, Florida performed the world’s first thrombectomy to treat this condition. Their joint effort underscores a truly astounding leap in the world of remote surgical capabilities.
That pioneering surgery was made possible by a robot created by the Lithuanian company Sentante. The method implemented whole human blood in four fresh cadaveric necks. As it turned out, all of these cadavers had been donated to science and had died in the last three years. By embalming these cadavers before the experiment, a controlled environment could be made to test the new technology.
Even more amazing, Professor Grunwald and Dr. Hanel performed the procedure from more than 4,000 miles away. While Grunwald was based in Dundee, MI, Hanel worked from his base in Florida. That is a truly amazing feat of coordinating the performance of such a complex surgery across such great distances. It’s a huge leap both for telemedicine and the field of robotic surgery.
The thrombectomy procedure was done quickly. In fact, Professor Grunwald only required 20 minutes of training to use the robot! This new technology fits easily with the catheters and guidewires that surgeons already use. This dexterity allows it to closely replicate the movements of a remote-based surgeon. In this example, a patient is under anesthesia on the hospital’s surgical operating table. Meanwhile, the doctor still has the ability to conduct the procedure from anywhere.
During his guest lecture, Professor Grunwald highlighted the value of this novel technology in the acute treatment of stroke. She stressed that for every six-minute delay in treatment, a patient’s odds of a positive outcome decrease by 1%. That underscores the acute urgency for effective medical intervention.
“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.” – Professor Iris Grunwald
People living in distant and underserved communities have historically faced challenges accessing thrombectomy procedures. With these procedures being life-saving in stroke cases, this issue becomes especially urgent. Professor Grunwald pointed out that this innovation could rebalance the inequity that has existed in stroke treatment across the UK.
Having accomplished these developments, the research team looks forward to participating in clinical trials next year. If successful, this could result in robotic-assisted thrombectomies becoming commonplace across the country. If developed responsibly, this technology can help humanity deliver patient care that would be otherworldly. It would bring top-notch stroke treatment within reach of anyone, regardless of where they live.
“Robotics like this could rebalance the inequity which exists in stroke treatment across the UK.” – Professor Iris Grunwald
This milestone achievement Edvardas Satkauskas, a representative from Sentante, shared his excitement about the milestone achievement. He stated, “Sometimes, the future is way closer than we think,” highlighting the rapid advancements that are now possible through collaboration between medical professionals and technological innovators.