World’s first telerobotic neurosurgery performed on stroke patient 120 miles away
XCath Robotics, a Houston-based medical robotics company, announced the successful completion of the world’s first telerobotic stroke operation of its kind. Neurosurgeon Vitor Mendes Pereira, MD, chair of advanced neurovascular interventions at the University of Toronto, used the XCath Iris Surgical Robotic System to perform the historic procedure. While Pereira was in Santiago, Panama, the patient was approximately 120 miles away in Panama City.
“Mechanical thrombectomy is proven to reduce mortality and disability in patients with ischemic stroke, but unfortunately access to the procedure is extremely low,” Pereira said in a statement. “The work XCath has done with the Iris system is a giant step toward broadening access to mechanical thrombectomy for patients around the world. The experience of performing the first-in-human procedure matched the successful simulated procedures we previously performed with the team, with imperceptibly low latency and no disruptions to the surgical workflow. It is the highlight of my career to be involved in this historic achievement.”
The Iris robotic system allows users to robotically navigate devices through the intracranial vasculature directly to the site of occlusion. For this procedure, Pereira was able to perform mechanical thrombectomy utilizing a stent retriever and balloon occlusion with dual aspiration. The clot was removed on the first pass, and the patient is expected to make a full recovery.
This procedure represents a key part of Operation Robo Angel, a collaboration between XCath and multiple hospitals focused on screening potential stroke patients. According to XCath, the patients targeted during this operation, including the one treated during this specific procedure, would have otherwise not had access to immediate care.
“XCath has accomplished what no other company has achieved in stroke care: a successful remote robotic mechanical thrombectomy delivering lifesaving treatment to a patient that would have otherwise not been able to receive treatment. It was a privilege to be present in this historic moment,” Fred Moll, MD, chairman of XCath, said in the same statement.
“Panama is honored to be the birthplace of a medical breakthrough that will save countless lives around the world,” added Jose Raul Mulino, president of the Republic of Panama. “XCath’s Operation Robo Angel demonstrates the extraordinary potential that emerges when visionary leadership meets the dedication of our physicians and institutions. This historic achievement reflects the spirit of Panamanian collaboration and our nation’s commitment to advancing healthcare for humanity. On behalf of the people of Panama, we proudly celebrate this milestone and the global hope it represents for patients and families affected by stroke.”
The XCath Iris Surgical Robotic System has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any other regulatory agency.
Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.