Summary of ‘Telerobotics for the treatment of cardiovascular and stroke events’
In the correspondence titled “Telerobotics for the treatment of cardiovascular and stroke events,” the authors Riccardo Oliva, Eduardo Fonseca, and Jacques Marescaux highlight the significant and emerging role of telesurgery in addressing cardiovascular and neurovascular emergencies. Since the inception of robotic surgical systems in 2001, these technologies have allowed surgeons to conduct complex procedures with remarkable precision and dexterity from remote locations, thereby proving their efficacy in clinical applications.
The continuous advancement in robotics and telecommunications is revolutionizing healthcare delivery, and telesurgery is set to play a crucial role in enhancing patient outcomes, particularly in time-sensitive situations. The authors emphasize a concerning prediction that by 2050, the incidence of stroke in the United States could more than double, with approximately 3.88% of adult Americans expected to experience a stroke by 2030. The financial burden associated with strokes, including both direct medical expenses and costs arising from disabilities, is projected to exceed $240 billion annually.
Endovascular thrombectomy is established as the gold standard treatment for stroke, requiring timely administration within 60 minutes. Unfortunately, patients in rural areas often face significant delays in accessing catheter-based treatments due to geographical barriers and the lack of specialised medical facilities. These delays can lead to increased mortality and disability, underscoring the urgent need for innovative solutions.
Heart disease, particularly myocardial infarction (MI), remains the leading cause of death globally. Angioplasty represents the state-of-the-art treatment for MI, yet a disparity exists in access to coronary revascularization, with less than 50% of patients in various countries receiving timely care. The authors argue that telesurgery can bridge these geographical gaps by enabling remote surgeons to perform life-saving procedures in real-time, thus addressing the urgent need for specialised medical expertise in underserved areas.
The safety and effectiveness of robotic surgery in emergency situations for both cardiovascular and neurovascular conditions have been well-documented. Telesurgery holds vast potential in regions where access to specialised care is limited. However, the authors caution that the implementation of telesurgery requires careful consideration of patient safety and ethical standards. Comprehensive training and credentialing programs for remote surgeons are essential to ensure high-quality care.
Collaboration among healthcare providers, telecommunications companies, and regulatory bodies is critical to establish best practices for telesurgery. Despite the initial investment required to set up remote surgery hubs, the potential for cost savings through improved patient outcomes and reduced rehabilitation needs is evident.
In conclusion, the authors advocate for the responsible implementation of telesurgery, supported by ongoing research, to revolutionize emergency treatments. This innovative approach has the potential to reduce treatment delays, minimize permanent disabilities, and ultimately save lives, thereby transforming the landscape of emergency medical care.
READ MORE… https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11701-025-02218-3
