Remote robotic endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke

BACKGROUND: In acute ischaemic stroke, endovascular thrombectomy (ET) significantly reduces disability compared with thrombolytic therapy, but access to ET is currently limited. Leveraging telerobotic technology to disseminate neurosurgical expertise could increase access to ET. This proof-of-concept evaluation was performed to determine whether remote robotic ET (RRET), wherein an offsite neurosurgeon and an onsite interventional cardiologist collaboratively use telerobotics to perform ET, is technically feasible. METHODS: An ex vivo model of RRET was constructed by establishing a network connection between a robotic drive in a simulation laboratory and a robotic control unit 5 miles away. Using onsite assistance from an interventional cardiologist in the simulation laboratory, an offsite neurosurgeon used the robotic controls to attempt RRET on a fluid-filled silicone model of human vasculature containing simulated thrombus material in the left middle cerebral artery (MCA). RESULTS: From the offsite location 5 miles away, the neurosurgeon used the robotic system to successfully navigate a guidewire from the carotid artery to simulated thrombus in the MCA. Under the direction of the neurosurgeon, the onsite interventional cardiologist then successfully manually advanced an aspiration catheter over the guidewire to the thrombus, removed the guidewire and performed aspiration. CONCLUSIONS: In this proof-of-concept evaluation, the technical feasibility of RRET was demonstrated in an ex vivo model and was collaboratively performed by an offsite neurosurgeon and an onsite interventional cardiologist. This report supports the design of future studies to determine if RRET could be used to increase access to ET for patients with acute ischaemic stroke.