Dundee and US surgeons achieve world-first stroke surgery using robot
21 minutes ago
Graham Fraser
BBC Scotland
University of Dundee
Doctors from Scotland and the US have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in stroke treatment, performing what is believed to be the world's first remote thrombectomy using a robot. This innovative procedure, led by Professor Iris Grunwald from the University of Dundee, involved a human cadaver donated to medical research, located at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, while the robot was operated on by Professor Grunwald and a team in the US, over 4,000 miles away.
The procedure, carried out using robotics from the Lithuanian firm Sentante, demonstrated the potential of remote surgery in stroke treatment. The team, including neurosurgeon Ricardo Hanel in Florida, successfully performed the first transatlantic thrombectomy, marking a significant advancement in stroke care.
The technology, which enables a surgeon to operate remotely while a patient is in a hospital operating room, has the potential to revolutionize stroke treatment. By addressing the global shortage of thrombectomy specialists and the time-sensitive nature of stroke treatment, this innovation could significantly improve patient outcomes.
Professor Grunwald, who has won an award from Innovate UK for her work, emphasized the importance of this achievement. She stated that the procedure showcased the feasibility of every step of the thrombectomy process, marking a significant step forward in stroke treatment.
The Stroke Association charity's CEO, Juliet Bouverie, praised the innovation, highlighting the potential to address the inequity in stroke treatment across the UK. She noted that remote robotics could provide access to thrombectomy for people in remote and rural areas, a significant improvement over the current situation.
The experiment utilized human blood in four cadavers, donated to science, to simulate the thrombectomy procedure. The team's next step is to participate in clinical trials next year, further refining the technology and its potential impact on stroke treatment.
The technology works by connecting a robot to the same catheters and wires used by a surgeon, allowing a medic with the patient to attach the wires. The surgeon, in another location, can then control the robot's movements, performing the thrombectomy in real-time. This approach could enable specialists to perform thrombectomies from anywhere, even their homes, potentially saving valuable time in stroke treatment.
Tech giants Nvidia and Ericsson supported the project to ensure the robot's connectivity. Dr. Hanel expressed awe at the technology's capabilities, noting the 120-millisecond lag between the US and Scotland, a blink of an eye in surgical terms.
The future of stroke treatment looks promising, with Professor Grunwald and the team at the University of Dundee leading the way. Their work has the potential to transform stroke care, making it more accessible and effective, and ultimately saving lives.
