Robot-Assisted Carotid Artery Stenting: A Safety and Feasibility Study

PURPOSE: Endovascular robotics is an emerging technology within the developing field of medical robotics. This was a prospective evaluation to assess safety and feasibility of robotic-assisted carotid artery stenting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive cases of carotid artery stenting cases performed over period of 24 months, from May 2015 to October 2016, using the Magellan Robotic System (Hansen, Mountain View, CA) were included. All cases utilised the robotic system to navigate the arch, obtain a stable position in the common carotid artery, followed by manual manipulation of Embolic Protection Devices and self-expandable stents through the robotic catheter. Patients demographics, clinical indications, anatomical features, technical and clinical success, complication rate and hospital stay were prospectively recorded. RESULTS: Thirteen patients, 10 males (78.5%), with an average age of 68.7 years were treated. Mean follow up time was 30 months. Ten patients (91%) were symptomatic at presentation. Anatomical indications for endovascular stent insertion were previous open surgery to the neck ± radiotherapy (87.5%) and hostile anatomy for open surgery (12.5%). Technical success was 100% and the robotic system demonstrates enhanced stability during arch and lesion crossing. There were no neurological complications post-operatively. Average hospital stay was 3 days (range 2–6 days) and a change in serum creatinine of −7.8 μmol/L. There was no documented case of in stent restenosis, new or worsening neurology during follow-up. CONCLUSION: These results illustrate safety and feasibility of robotic endovascular revascularisation for carotid disease and demonstrates potential to enhance peri-procedural safety through improved control and stability.