In a groundbreaking development for medical technology, Dr. Vitor Mendes Pereira performed a diagnostic angiogram on a patient using a remote-controlled robotic system. This pioneering procedure took place at St. Joseph’s Hospital, with Dr. Mendes Pereira operating the robot from St. Michael’s Hospital, six kilometers away. Sophisticated technology has the potential to dramatically increase access to surgical interventions. This is particularly critical for patients residing in rural, northern, or Indigenous communities in Canada.
With the robotic system running between $1-$3 million dollars. To date, it has allowed surgeons to guide a catheter on a three-dimensional mapping of patients’ arteries and veins with extreme precision. This technology does not stop at providing convenience. It has potential to dramatically enhance patient care, reduce time in transport, and even save lives.
A Game-Changer for Healthcare
Dr. Michael Kutryk, a prominent figure in the field, believes that this technology could revolutionize healthcare not only in Canada but across the globe. He highlighted the need for effective solutions to address medical emergencies, stating, “I think it’s going to be a game changer for the whole world.”
Dr. Kutryk underscored the fact that only 12 to 17 strokes occur per year in the region. These are all cases that require the specialized surgery that this technology allows. In addition, hospitals can have a more effective means of caring for patients by implementing robotic systems. These new technologies reduce lag times typically associated with older modes of transportation.
Dr. Vitor Mendes Pereira noted the critical importance of time in surgical scenarios, emphasizing that “every minute counts in surgeries like these.” He expressed confidence in the system’s potential to improve healthcare delivery, stating, “One robot in a hospital can save up to $2 million to the health-care system every year if we perform up to 20 of these procedures.”
Expanding Access to Remote Regions
The impact remote-controlled robotics could have on the access to surgical care in America’s rural communities is huge. As Dr. Sarah Giles pointed out, innovations typically fail to capture the focus of a physician employed in a small, rural hospital. At the same time, she recognized the value of other innovations that bring treatment as close as possible to patients’ homes.
Sault Ste. Marie is looking forward to using this technology to perform remote endovascular thrombectomy procedures. They helped these organizations set their sights on achieving patient impact at distances of up to 500 kilometers. Dr. Giles stated, “If I can deploy the robot and treat closest to where the patient is, that can save hours.” This approach underlines the significance of reducing transport times for critically ill patients who may suffer severe complications due to delays.
Dr. Mendes Pereira and his team are in the midst of a cost-effectiveness study on the technology. As one of their efforts to prove its value, this research is helping to validate its benefits. “Communication is very important on every step that we are doing,” he emphasized, underscoring the collaborative nature required for successful implementation.
Challenges and Future Considerations
In spite of its promise, robotic surgery faces significant hurdles that need to be cleared before it can achieve widespread adoption. Dr. Sarah Giles pointed out that for such systems to be deemed worthwhile, they must be utilized frequently throughout the year. “Right now, I would argue we don’t even have the basics,” she noted regarding current technological infrastructure in some rural hospitals.
Dr. Kutryk agreed that patients who are having strokes tend to have high morbidity given extended transportation times as well. He reiterated the urgent need for solutions like robotic systems that keep patients closer to home while ensuring timely medical interventions.
The testing phase was naught but strenuous. Nicole Cancelliere highlighted how flexibility became key if anything unexpected came up during the procedures. “Fortunately, because of all the testing we did … this is not something we experienced, but we would be able to adapt in a scenario if that was to happen,” she stated.
