CardioPrecision has played a leading role in bringing the world’s FIRST robotic aortic valve replacement through a tiny incision in the neck significantly closer to reality.
CardioPrecision recently demonstrated a proof-of-concept AVATAR (Advanced Videoscopic Aortic valve surgery by Transcervical Approach using Robot assistance) procedure in Chicago.
The procedure was successfully performed on a series of human cadavers, representing an important milestone in progressing towards clinical cases while also continuing to grow CardioPrecision’s stateside presence.
The company utilised its CoreVista® Robot Enabling PlatformTM as well as the Perceval PlusTM sutureless aortic heart valve from UK-based Corcym – a global medical device company focused on the structural heart area.
CardioPrecision’s chief medical officer and consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, Fraser Sutherland, worked closely with Rocco Bilancia, consultant thoracic surgeon at NHS Golden Jubilee National Hospital, to introduce AVATAR to leading US robotic surgeons, Professor Husam Balkhy from the University of Chicago Medicine and Professor Danny Ramzy at Memorial Hermann of University of Texas Houston.
Prof Ramzy said: “Working closely with Dr Sutherland and Dr Bilancia has been transformative, allowing us to work through key steps of the AVATAR procedure on cadavers that will ultimately ensure safe introduction into clinical practice. I look forward to seeing the first clinical cases performed.”
Prof Balkhy said: “There is so much potential in robotic surgery and I’m very happy to be involved with this developing new procedure. As we have noted in the US, robotic-assisted surgery is increasingly being utilised across almost every surgical specialty. Cardiac surgery is a little slower in adoption but has many different proven applications in robotics as we have shown at UChicago. I am confident that this new approach will add to the possibilities for cardiac surgeons to offer patients the least invasive option using robotics combined with other innovative platforms such as CoreVista®.
As with the introduction of any new surgical procedure, patient safety remains paramount, so it is important that it is tested rigorously at all stages before actual implementation, but we are excited by the possibilities.”
Prof Rowan Parks, President of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and previous Chair of the RCSEd Robotic Taskforce said: “There is clearly vast potential here and it is exciting to see a Glasgow company helping to lead the way while putting Scotland firmly on the map for this pioneering approach.
Robotic cardiac surgery is much less invasive than open heart surgery. This could well be just the start of more complex surgeries with quick advances being made, benefitting both patient and surgeon.”
Dr Ying Sutherland, Chief Executive of CardioPrecision, added: “Our CoreVista® Robot Enabling PlatformTM could open up the possibility of day case aortic valve surgery – a massive step forward in the field. We are tremendously grateful to have support from leading cardiothoracic surgeons in both UK and the USA.”
Fraser Sutherland added: “Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is already performed as day case in some centres. However, not all patients are suitable for TAVR, and for those patients, the prospect of surgery can be quite daunting. Having seen the benefits of robotic surgery in other surgical specialities, I am confident that we will be able to deliver a much less invasive alternative to conventional surgery using these technologies.”
Chief Executive of Corcym, Dr Christian Mazzi, said: “We are delighted that Perceval PlusTM was selected for this seminal work and to have the opportunity of working with CardioPrecision and their CoreVista® Robot Enabling PlatformTM. In combination with Perceval PlusTM, we believe this has resulted in a world-first and we look forward to achieving successful surgeries in the near future.”
About CardioPrecision Ltd
CardioPrecision Ltd, based in Glasgow, UK is the global leader in transcervical access for the treatment of structural heart disease and cardiothoracic interventions. CardioPrecision is dedicated to making patients’ lives better through the development of innovative, less invasive access solutions for cardiothoracic surgery and cardiovascular interventions. For more information, visit www.cardioprecision.com
Cautions
This news release includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expected product benefits, anticipated product approvals, future plans related to the product lines, the benefits of the transaction, including future financial and operating results, objectives and expectations and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based on the views and assumptions of the management of the company and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties.
Actual future events or results may differ materially from these statements as a result of various factors, including: unexpected costs of device development and approvals, unanticipated outcomes after more expanded pre-clinical and clinical experience with the devices, unexpected changes or delays related to product supply, potentials for unexpected regulatory or quality delays or developments, competitive dynamics, global economic conditions and customer acceptance, and other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this communication. Except as required by law, The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements.
CoreVista is a trademark of CardioPrecision Ltd.
