An Australian team has achieved the world's first fully remote robotic surgery, a milestone that could transform stroke care for patients in rural and remote areas. The procedures were performed by Remedy Robotics, a company founded by Perth-born cardiac surgeon David Bell, who successfully conducted multiple neuro-intervention procedures in Toronto using robotic catheters controlled by surgeons from a distance.
The technology relies on AI-enabled software and a stable internet connection, allowing specialists to log on via computer and perform procedures as if they were at the bedside. Dr Anna Holwell, a specialist at Alice Springs Hospital, highlighted the potential impact: stroke patients in Central Australia currently face transfers of up to 1500 kilometres to Royal Adelaide Hospital, losing critical time. With remote surgery, life-saving treatment could be delivered six to eight hours sooner.
Remedy Robotics is partnering with the Australian Stroke Alliance to roll out the program in Australia. Professor Jeffrey Donnan, co-chair of the alliance, said they hope to start using the technology in Alice Springs and Darwin hospitals next year, viewing Australia as a template for the globe due to its challenging geography. If successful, the system could be deployed worldwide, bringing specialist care to underserved regions.
