R-One robotic platform looks set to revolutionise interventional cardiology
Robocath’s R-One robotic platform has been used to successfully complete the first five robotic coronary angioplasties in Belgium.
Robocath’s R-One robotic platform has been used to successfully complete the first five robotic coronary angioplasties in Belgium. The Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI) were performed by Prof. Stefan Verheye, a highly experienced interventional cardiologist at ZNA Middelheim hospital in Antwerp, and his team. Robotic-assisted PCI has never been done before in this country.
These first five robotic procedures are part of a clinical study which involves six European centres. The study aims to demonstrate the benefits for interventional cardiologists of using a robotic assistance platform within daily practice.
The Rouen, France-based company, Robocath, developed R-One to assist interventional cardiologists in performing coronary angioplasties – a procedure that consists of revascularizing the cardiac muscle, by inserting one or more stents into the arteries that supply it with blood.
Commenting on the R-One, Prof. Verheye said: “I was immediately very impressed by the ease of use of the platform and its level of precision. The robotic arm places the stent even more precisely than with the manual technique, down to a fraction of a millimetre.
In addition, it allows us to work in a much safer and more comfortable setting because we are no longer directly in contact with harmful X-rays, which is of great concern to all physicians in this field. It also means that we no longer need to wear our lead apron which can cause orthopaedic injuries. Therefore, I performed five clinical robotic procedures in a comfortably seated position, without any X-ray exposure.
“This robotic solution is a first step toward a global revolution in interventional cardiology. I have absolutely no doubt that this solution will be widely taken up. I’m delighted to be among the pioneers of this new technological wave in Europe.”
R-One is the first solution developed by Robocath. This robotic platform uses a unique technology that optimizes the safety of robotic-assisted coronary angioplasty.
The R-One comprises two core elements: – The robotic unit comprising the robot and its articulated support arm – A radiation-protected control unit comprising a mobile control station with a mobile radiation protection screen that protects medical staff from x-rays, and the command unit with joysticks. With this unit, the physician remotely controls instruments in the vascular system.
The R-One is designed to operate with precision and perform specific movements to facilitate and enhance the interventional procedures performed on the patient. It also offers a better working environment for physicians and the entire medical team, with a massive reduction in X-ray exposure. With its open architecture, R-One is compatible with market-leading devices and cath labs. R-One received CE marking in February 2019 and started its clinical application in September 2019. Currently R-One is available in Europe and Africa.
