Robot-aided heart valve surgery takes a groundbreaking step forward, as CardioPrecision unveils its latest innovation.
CardioPrecision Achieves First Robotic Transcervical Aortic Valve Replacement
CardioPrecision, a Glasgow-based company, has made history by executing the world's first clinical cases of robotic aortic valve replacement (AVR) through a tiny incision in the neck. This groundbreaking surgery, performed at the Cleveland Clinic, marks a significant step forward in minimally invasive cardiac surgery [1][2].
The procedure, known as AVATAR (Advanced Videoscopic Aortic surgery by Transcervical Approach using Robot-assistance), utilizes CardioPrecision’s CoreVista® Robot Enabling Platform with a specialized CoreVista® Retractor system. This innovative approach aims to minimize risks associated with traditional open-heart surgery by reducing pain and speeding recovery for patients [1][2].
Dr. Marijan Koprivanac and his team at the Cleveland Clinic's Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute carried out these first clinical cases. They used Corcym’s Perceval Plus sutureless aortic valve implant integrated with the robotic platform, facilitating the minimally invasive robotic approach [2][5].
The combination of the artificial valve with this robotic technology provides one of the least invasive surgical options currently available for aortic valve replacement. The approach is also expected to reduce hospital stay and patient discomfort compared to conventional surgery [1][2].
The Cleveland Clinic team is currently refining the procedure, focusing on optimizing the placement of robotic ports and valve introduction methods to reduce operative times and make the procedure reproducible and teachable for broader adoption [3]. Expansion efforts include collaboration with institutions like the University of Chicago to disseminate the AVATAR procedure and enhance robotic cardiac surgery options worldwide [3].
Graham Watson, Executive Chair of InnoScot Health, congratulated CardioPrecision on its landmark breakthrough in robotic-assisted aortic valve replacement, praising it as a vital step in producing improved outcomes thanks to minimally invasive techniques [4]. Ying Sutherland, CEO of CardioPrecision, stated that the aspiration is for every cardiac surgeon to offer the robotic-assisted aortic valve replacement procedure to their patients [4].
CardioPrecision demonstrated a proof-of-concept AVATAR procedure for aortic valve replacement in Chicago last year. Early clinical data was presented by Dr. Marijan Koprivanac at the American Association for Thoracic Surgery annual meeting and the International Society for Minimally Invasive cardiothoracic Surgery annual meeting in May [6].
InnoScot Health continues to support CardioPrecision's world-leading capabilities and retains a presence on its board at an important time in its success. The transcervical approach used in these procedures is intended to minimize risks associated with conventional open-heart surgery [4]. The Cleveland Clinic's heart programme is internationally renowned for its leading cardiovascular care [7].
This pioneering procedure represents a significant advancement in the field of cardiac surgery, with the potential to revolutionize the approach to cardiac surgery, according to Ying Sutherland [4]. Dr. Koprivanac stated that combining the artificial heart valve with this new surgical technology means patients should experience less pain and less time in the hospital following heart surgery [1][2].
[1] CardioPrecision. (2022). CardioPrecision and Cleveland Clinic Announce First-in-Human Robotic Transcervical AVR. Retrieved from https://www.cardioprecision.com/news/cardioprecision-and-cleveland-clinic-announce-first-in-human-robotic-transcervical-avr
[2] Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Cleveland Clinic and CardioPrecision Successfully Complete First-in-Human Robotic Transcervical AVR. Retrieved from https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2022/05/24/cleveland-clinic-and-cardioprecision-successfully-complete-first-in-human-robotic-transcervical-avr/
[3] CardioPrecision. (2022). CardioPrecision and Cleveland Clinic Announce First-in-Human Robotic Transcervical AVR. Retrieved from https://www.cardioprecision.com/news/cardioprecision-and-cleveland-clinic-announce-first-in-human-robotic-transcervical-avr
[4] InnoScot Health. (2022). InnoScot Health Congratulates CardioPrecision on First-in-Human Robotic Transcervical AVR. Retrieved from https://www.innoschealth.com/news/innoschealth-congratulates-cardioprecision-on-first-in-human-robotic-transcervical-avr
[5] CardioPrecision. (2022). CardioPrecision and Cleveland Clinic Announce First-in-Human Robotic Transcervical AVR. Retrieved from https://www.cardioprecision.com/news/cardioprecision-and-cleveland-clinic-announce-first-in-human-robotic-transcervical-avr
[6] CardioPrecision. (2022). CardioPrecision and Cleveland Clinic Announce First-in-Human Robotic Transcervical AVR. Retrieved from https://www.cardioprecision.com/news/cardioprecision-and-cleveland-clinic-announce-first-in-human-robotic-transcervical-avr
[7] Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Cleveland Clinic and CardioPrecision Successfully Complete First-in-Human Robotic Transcervical AVR. Retrieved from https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2022/05/24/cleveland-clinic-and-cardioprecision-successfully-complete-first-in-human-robotic-transcervical-avr/
- The revolution in cardiac surgery, as demonstrated by the first robotic transcervical aortic valve replacement at the Cleveland Clinic, is a significant stride in digital health, merging science, medical-conditions, and technology to enhance health-and-wellness, particularly in cardiovascular-health.
- The Glasgow-based company, CardioPrecision, has leveraged technology to transform cardiovascular-health treatment through its CoreVista® Robot Enabling Platform, aiding in minimally invasive medical procedures like the AVATAR-AVR.
- As the surgical community continues to optimize robotic cardiac procedures, such as the AVATAR, there is an expectation for broader adoption of these techniques worldwide, ultimately improving patient outcomes and recovery times associated with medical-conditions like cardiovascular-disease.
