Remote robot stroke test succeeds
A neuroradiologist removes clots from afar in major trial
A remote robotic stroke procedure has been successfully demonstrated after an interventional neuroradiologist in Scotland removed blood clots from a pig cadaver in Paris using a system developed by Lithuanian medtech firm Sentante. Professor Iris Grunwald operated from the University of Dundee’s Image Guided Therapy Research Facility, controlling catheters and devices over a secure digital network to extract multiple clots and restore simulated blood flow. She said the platform provided realistic haptic feedback and used standard operating‑theatre tools, making the experience comparable to being physically present at the bedside.
The Sentante platform is designed to bring the expert to the patient rather than the patient to the expert, potentially shortening delays in time‑critical stroke care where specialist interventional neuroradiologists are not locally available. The system combines precision robotics, real‑time imaging and ultra‑low‑latency communications to allow operators to sense resistance, adjust force and manipulate delicate instruments as in a conventional procedure.
Sentante has received Breakthrough Device designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and plans to start commercial sales in 2026, but the company must complete clinical trials and secure full regulatory approval before the technology can be used on patients. Developers and clinicians stress that hospital infrastructure—reliable high‑speed connectivity, advanced imaging suites and robust cybersecurity—will be essential for safe deployment.
Proponents say remote robotic neurointerventions could expand access to specialist care in rural or underserved regions, reduce time lost to patient transfers, and improve outcomes by enabling faster clot removal in ischaemic stroke. The technology also promises to allow experts to treat patients across greater distances, potentially across regions or national borders, provided legal, logistical and regulatory frameworks are addressed.
Caveats remain: the approach is at an early demonstration stage, and widespread adoption will require rigorous safety testing, validated clinical benefit, and clear operational protocols. Concerns over cybersecurity, equipment failures and cross‑jurisdictional liability will need resolution. Nevertheless, the successful long‑distance demonstration represents a significant proof of concept for remotely delivered, robot‑assisted stroke treatment and points toward a future in which geography imposes fewer barriers to urgent neurosurgical care.
