Robocath, University Partner to Improve Stroke Treatment

Robocath, a company that designs, develops and commercializes robotic solutions to treat cardiovascular diseases, and Rennes University Hospital, have launched a co-development research program using robotics to improve treatment for stroke victims.

With the support of Philips France, this unique program will be implemented over the next four years. It will focus on the use of robotics in treating strokes, the second most common cause of death globally after myocardial infarctions. The program will begin with a clinical study into the treatment of carotid artery disease using R-One, the first robotic platform developed by Robocath, which has been on the market since 2019. This first-generation robotic solution was designed to improve the treatment of cardiovascular disease by enhancing physicians’ movements through increased precision. It also helps medical staff to drastically reduce their exposure to X-rays.

Following the clinical study, the partnership will become an active R&D collaboration aimed at improving and enhancing current and future generations of robotic solutions, based on the synergy between both parties’ skills and know-how.

Dr. François Eugène, Interventional Neuroradiologist at Rennes University Hospital, said: “I am delighted to be launching this scientific research partnership with Robocath and to be working with this passionate team. Robotics is already successfully used to treat coronary disease in humans. The benefits of this technology can also be applied to the treatment of certain neurovascular diseases. This is largely because precision of movement is a key factor in treating stroke patients; the use of robotics will increase the success rate of these procedures. I’m very excited to get started on the clinical study.”

Philippe Bencteux, M.D., president and founder of Robocath, explained: “This unique partnership will enable Robocath to enter the next phase of its development strategy. The research program opens up promising new avenues for both our current and future generations of robotic solutions.”
 
Lucien Goffart, Robocath’s CEO, added: “This collaboration proves that there is considerable interest in robotics in the medical sector. It demonstrates the whole scope of potential applications in a range of specialist vascular fields. The combination of Dr. Eugène’s enthusiasm and the support of Philips France is the ideal recipe for the success of this research program, which will undoubtedly represent a pivotal moment in our company’s history.”
 
Ranked among the top 10 university hospitals in France, Rennes University Hospital has a capacity of almost 1,900 beds and treatment rooms spread over four sites. In addition to a wide range of high-caliber clinical services, the hospital also boasts a medical technology platform dedicated to diagnostics and interventional medicine.  

Founded in 2009 by Bencteux, Robocath designs, develops, and commercializes robotic solutions to treat cardiovascular diseases. As an active player in the evolving medical robotics industry, these innovative solutions aim to make medical procedures safer thanks to reliable technologies, while complementing manual interventions. R-One is the first solution developed by Robocath. It uses a unique technology that optimizes the safety of robotic-assisted coronary angioplasty. This medical procedure consists of revascularizing the cardiac muscle by inserting one or more implants (stents) into the arteries that supply it with blood. Every 30 seconds, somewhere in the world, this type of procedure is performed. R-One is designed to operate with precision and perform specific movements, creating better interventional conditions. Thanks to its open architecture, R-One is compatible with market-leading devices and cath labs.

In a prospective, randomized, controlled pre-clinical trial, R-One demonstrated safety and efficacy as it achieved 100 percent technical procedure success and no MACE (major adverse cardiovascular events). R-One received the CE marking in February 2019 and started its clinical application in September 2019. Currently R-One is available in Europe and Africa. Robocath aims to become the world leader in vascular robotics and develop the remote treatment of vascular emergencies, guaranteeing the best care pathway for all. Based in Rouen, France, Robocath has more than 60 employees.