The world's first remote heart operation has been carried out in Leicester, using a robotic arm provided and clinically supported by a UK distributor.

The operation, in which a common heart rhythm treatment procedure was carried out remotely using a robotic arm, was carried out at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester.

The use of the robotic arm eliminates radiation exposure for the surgeon - and removes the need for them to wear a lead apron, which over the course of a lengthy operation can cause fatigue.

The Catheter Robotics Remote Catheter Manipulation System is supplied by Catheter Robotics Inc. in the USA, with Macclesfield-based Dot Medical Ltd. as distributor and clinical support in the UK and Europe.

Dr André Ng, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist at Glenfield Hospital, University Hospitals of Leicester, was the first person to carry out the operation remotely using this system.

Dr Ng said: "The new robotic procedure is an important step forward. The benefit to the patient is that movement of the catheter can be done with great precision. The benefit to the doctor is that heavy lead aprons would not be necessary, as they will be controlling the movements of the catheter using the remote controller at a distance from the patient outside the radiation area."

Dr. Ian Rankin, Managing Director of Dot Medical, said: "We are delighted to have been directly involved with the world's first use of the Robotic Arm and in supporting Dr. Ng in its use. The Robot allows the cardiologist to work in a much safer environment, away from harmful radiation, and to increase the precision of these heart operations. We believe that the Robot offers a major step towards health and safety in the cardiac catheter lab."

 
Catheter Robotics Remote Catheter Manipulation System