Rapid Medical completes successful stroke procedures with “world’s first” robotic thrombectomy device

Rapid Medical has announced what it claims is the first successful robotic thrombectomy, in Medellín, Colombia. Two patients were treated with the robotic Tigertriever—an endovascular thrombectomy device that adapts autonomously to the patient’s anatomy.

“Automating stroke procedures is a significant advancement for the medical field,” said Boris Pabón (Angiosur, Medellín, Colombia), the surgeon who performed these first-in-man procedures. “Robotic clot removal achieves a level of precision that surpasses interventional capabilities. The robotic Tigertriever gives me direct insight into the vessel characteristics and senses what I cannot—truly remarkable.”

With the press of a button, the artificial intelligence (AI)-activated Tigertriever captures the blockage with active integration, according to a Rapid press release. The device’s radial force is then automatically reduced to minimise trauma to the brain as it is retrieved. This builds upon the excellent clinical results and procedure times seen with Tigertriever’s adjustability, further enhancing precision and streamlining workflow, the release adds.

“Implementing this technology is a testament to our commitment to expanding treatment for stroke patients worldwide,” said Ronen Eckhouse, chief executive officer of Rapid. “We are at the forefront of advancing care—first by providing physicians with active technology and now paving a new pathway to automate procedures with intelligent control.”