Vascular Robotics
Robot-assisted endovascular technology for aortic disease
Robot-assisted endovascular technology
Riga CV, Bicknell CD, Hamady M & Cheshire NJW
Endovascular therapy has revolutionized aneurysm repair, however, complicating anatomical factors, such as, aneurysm involvement of the visceral vessels and other major aortic branches limit its uptake. Conventional endovascular catheters have limited range and flexibility making cannulation and stenting of individual target vessels technically challenging and time consuming.
We have recently installed a robotic flexible catheter system (image left) within our endovascular suite with a view to enhancing our ability to perform these complex cases, expand the boundaries of what is possible through the endovascular route and improve patient and operator safety. This is the first robotic system of its kind installed for use in the peripheral vascular system in the world.
Hansen Sensei robotic system
The Hansen Sensei robotic system (image right) allows and visualizes precise positioning of a steerable catheter tip at a desired point, whilst enabling a physician to remain seated and away from the x-ray radiation source.
Our early experimental work using this system in vitro and in vivo models has shown that through precise manipulation and stable positioning, use of the robotic system results in faster vessel cannulation times and minimum instrumentation of the vessel wall. Future studies will focus on use of this system in conjunction with electromagnetic navigation technology in order to further enhance accuracy and orientation in the presence of complex aneurysmal disease prior to the first clinical applications.
By maximizing the use of existing robotic and navigation technologies whilst developing new approaches to treating these challenging cases, we are hoping to improve overall clinical outcomes and reduce the high mortality and morbidity rates associated with aneurysmal disease.
With increasing experience in robotic and navigation assisted techniques we may well be able to extend the applicability of minimally invasive endovascular technology to a larger cohort of patients.
If you have any questions about this page please contact Celia Riga - c.riga@imperial.ac.uk.
