Second-generation robotic angioplasty system use for the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a first-in-man proof of concept case report

BACKGROUND: Robotically assisted remote-controlled PCI (rPCI) was introduced in the past decade as one of the latest enhancements in this rapidly evolving field. The use of a second-generation rPCI system in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is an effort to couple immediate revascularization with the accuracy of newer robotic assistance and software support. CASE SUMMARY: Here we report on the safety and efficacy of rPCI applied to a 74-year-old female STEMI patient with persistent acute chest pain as well as regional wall motion abnormalities in the echocardiogram. The first medical contact-to-device time was 76 min, and door-to-balloon time was 33 min. The impatient course was uneventful, so the patient was discharged from hospital after 5 days. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the successful application of second-generation rPCI in STEMI. DISCUSSION: In the case presented, rPCI was feasible and safe even in acute coronary syndrome based on a single-centre experience. rPCI is a revolutionary new technique that may be applied to various types of clinical presentations.