Lithuanian medtech firm Sentante has conducted a pioneering remote stroke procedure in Scotland, relying on surgeons in Florida and Dundee to guide the intervention remotely. This initiative underscores the transformative potential of remote medical robotics in saving lives by reducing time to treatment. By utilizing Sentante’s advanced robotic platform, the procedure reflects a step forward in addressing geographic barriers in urgent medical care.
Back in 2021, debates surfaced about the viability of remote robotic medical interventions due to concerns over latency and tactile feedback. Initial skepticism revolved around whether these technologies could effectively replicate the direct tactile sense surgeons require. However, Sentante has continued to address these concerns by partnering with technology leaders and integrating haptic feedback into their platform, thus enhancing surgeon precision and replicating bedside conditions remotely.
How does Sentante aim to revolutionize vascular care?
Sentante has developed a device-agnostic endovascular platform, allowing clinicians to execute complex procedures remotely. This approach aims to improve treatment access, clinician safety, and procedural consistency across various vascular applications. By pioneering a solution for remote vascular procedures, Sentante’s platform could enable quicker intervention times, potentially leading to better outcomes in acute medical scenarios.
Can latency affect the success of remote procedures?
Latency indeed can impact remote medical procedures. However, Sentante has engineered robust solutions to mitigate these issues. Their sensory system within both the robotic unit and control station allows for high-resolution data transmission, ensuring that feedback is received in real-time. In most tests, latency was imperceptible, suggesting that their current technology effectively overcomes these barriers.
Michael A. Mayo, president and CEO of Baptist Health, recognized the significance of this technological advancement:
“Dr. Hanel and the team here at Baptist Health provide world-class neurosurgical interventions each day, and the potential for these life-saving procedures to be delivered in a timely manner can bring new sources of hope and healing to a countless number of patients.”
As operations like thrombectomies continue across Scotland, the demonstrated potential of Sentante’s system becomes ever more relevant.
Their efforts complement the inherent challenges in the medical robotics field, like contending with soft and flexible instruments in diverse procedures. Sentante envisions setting a new standard in robotic systems, as several factors currently impede establishing a ‘gold standard’ in this technology.
“It’s complex. That’s why there’s no ‘gold standard’ robotic system yet in this field. But we’re working to bring that,”
explains CEO Edvardas Satkauskas.
As Sentante advances through regulatory pathways with a targeted market entry, attention centers on addressing the growing workloads and resource shortages in healthcare systems. Long-term, expanding access to timely stroke treatment appears a feasible goal through remote robotics, especially as these innovations appear promising as evidenced by practical application and results.
Sentante’s emphasis on precision and safety through teleoperation is already influencing stroke care frameworks globally. Although still in preclinical phase, future approval could pave the way for widespread application. The aim is not merely to facilitate ease of access but also to maintain high standards of care, seamlessly integrating technology to meet global health demands.
