Robot-assisted heart valve surgery receives groundbreaking advancement, as declared by CardioPrecision.
In a groundbreaking development for cardiac surgery, Glasgow-based company CardioPrecision has executed the first clinical cases of robotic aortic valve replacement through a tiny incision in the neck. The pioneering procedure, carried out by cardiac surgeon Dr. Marijan Koprivanac and his team at the internationally renowned Cleveland Clinic, could potentially revolutionize the approach to cardiac surgery.
Development History
The journey to this landmark achievement began over a decade ago when CardioPrecision set out to realize their vision of enabling heart surgery through a small incision in the neck. Last year, the company demonstrated a proof-of-concept AVATAR (Advanced Videoscopic Aortic surgery by Transcervical Approach using Robot-assistance) procedure for aortic valve replacement (AVR) on human cadavers using its CoreVista® Robot Enabling Platform in Chicago. Recently, CardioPrecision successfully extended this robotic-assisted procedure to patients.
Benefits
The transcervical approach offers several benefits. It involves a small incision in the neck, reducing risks associated with conventional open-heart surgery. Patients experience less pain and shorter hospital stays following the surgery. The use of robotics improves precision, potentially leading to better outcomes.
Future Prospects
Surgeons are refining techniques with experience, aiming to reduce cross-clamp times and create a reproducible approach for robotic AVR. Companies like Corcym are working closely with CardioPrecision to integrate their technologies, such as sutureless valves, into these procedures. The goal is to make this procedure more accessible and widespread by developing a repeatable and efficient protocol.
InnoScot Health continues to support CardioPrecision's world-leading capabilities, retaining a presence on its board at this important time in its success. Fraser Sutherland, MD, Chief Medical Officer of CardioPrecision, expressed satisfaction in seeing the robotic-assisted aortic valve replacement procedure become a reality. Graham Watson, Executive Chair of InnoScot Health, congratulated CardioPrecision on its landmark breakthrough.
This pioneering procedure represents a significant advancement in the field of cardiac surgery, offering a minimally invasive alternative for patients with aortic valve disease. Watson believes this breakthrough represents a vital step in producing improved outcomes due to minimally invasive techniques, quicker healing, and enhanced patient lives.
[1] CardioPrecision Press Release, May 2022
[2] CardioPrecision Press Release, June 2023
[3] Cleveland Clinic Press Release, June 2023
[4] Interview with Dr. Marijan Koprivanac, June 2023
[5] Interview with Ying Sutherland, PhD, June 2023
