BREAKING: An Australian medtech start-up has just completed the world’s first fully remote robotic surgical procedures, a groundbreaking achievement that could revolutionize healthcare access for millions in rural areas. Remedy Robotics, founded by Perth-born cardiac surgeon David Bell, successfully performed multiple neurointervention surgeries in Toronto with surgeons controlling robotic catheters from thousands of kilometers away.
This innovative technology promises to bridge the healthcare gap faced by patients in remote regions, particularly for those suffering from strokes, which currently affect over 445,000 Australians—a number expected to more than double by 2050. The company is now partnering with the Australian Stroke Alliance to conduct trials treating stroke patients in Darwin and Alice Springs remotely, connecting them with specialists potentially thousands of kilometers away.
Bell stated, “Australia has a unique geography. The idea is that Pete in Alice Springs or Lucy in Tennant Creek had the exact same outcome as whoever is at the Royal Melbourne.” The technology, known as the N1 System, utilizes custom-built catheters mounted on a surgical robot, allowing physicians to navigate complex procedures from anywhere with a stable internet connection.
Advanced machine learning algorithms manage the intricate task of maneuvering delicate tools through blood vessels, making previously impossible remote operations a reality. Patients will still need to visit a local hospital for catheter insertion, but the remote specialist will take over the complex navigation to remove clots from the brain.
Bell’s inspiration for this technology came during his MBA at Stanford, where he envisioned a future where robotic systems could radically expand access to care. “If you can teach a car to drive around the streets of San Francisco, surely you can teach a catheter to move through the human blood vessels,” he reflected.
The breakthrough could have a significant impact on stroke treatment, especially for patients in isolated areas who currently must travel up to 3,000 kilometers for specialized care. Professor Stephen Davis from the Australian Stroke Alliance noted that the new technique fills a critical gap in care: “Remote indigenous communities virtually can’t access this modern treatment because of the time barrier.”
The first trials will be led by Professor Bernard Yan from the Royal Melbourne Hospital, ensuring that on-site specialists are available during initial procedures to back up remote specialists. “We believe it’s possible, but it requires high-quality research to validate the technique,” Davis emphasized.
Remedy Robotics is currently raising funds in the US to pursue FDA approval while preparing for Australian trials. The company is relatively close to finalizing this funding round, but Bell has not disclosed specific targets. The surgery milestone has been hailed by investors, with Michael Tolo from Blackbird Ventures stating, “Remedy Robotics is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in modern medicine.”
As the technology undergoes validation through academic studies and partnerships, the response from patients has been overwhelmingly positive. “The response so far has been very, very good,” Bell reported. “Patients see the upside of the technology.”
This world-first achievement is poised to transform healthcare delivery, providing hope for millions in remote Australian communities and beyond. As trials progress, the medical community and patients alike will be watching closely for updates on this innovative approach to surgery.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates as Remedy Robotics expands its groundbreaking technology.
