RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Remote robotic endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke JF BMJ Neurology Open JO BMJ Neurol Open FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP e000141 DO 10.1136/bmjno-2021-000141 VO 3 IS 1 A1 Justin Singer A1 Stacie VanOosterhout A1 Ryan Madder YR 2021 UL http://neurologyopen.bmj.com/content/3/1/e000141.abstract AB Background In acute ischaemic stroke, endovascular thrombectomy (ET) significantly reduces disability compared with thrombolytic therapy, but access to ET is currently limited. Leveraging telerobotic technology to disseminate neurosurgical expertise could increase access to ET. This proof-of-concept evaluation was performed to determine whether remote robotic ET (RRET), wherein an offsite neurosurgeon and an onsite interventional cardiologist collaboratively use telerobotics to perform ET, is technically feasible.Methods An ex vivo model of RRET was constructed by establishing a network connection between a robotic drive in a simulation laboratory and a robotic control unit 5 miles away. Using onsite assistance from an interventional cardiologist in the simulation laboratory, an offsite neurosurgeon used the robotic controls to attempt RRET on a fluid-filled silicone model of human vasculature containing simulated thrombus material in the left middle cerebral artery (MCA).Results From the offsite location 5 miles away, the neurosurgeon used the robotic system to successfully navigate a guidewire from the carotid artery to simulated thrombus in the MCA. Under the direction of the neurosurgeon, the onsite interventional cardiologist then successfully manually advanced an aspiration catheter over the guidewire to the thrombus, removed the guidewire and performed aspiration.Conclusions In this proof-of-concept evaluation, the technical feasibility of RRET was demonstrated in an ex vivo model and was collaboratively performed by an offsite neurosurgeon and an onsite interventional cardiologist. This report supports the design of future studies to determine if RRET could be used to increase access to ET for patients with acute ischaemic stroke.Data sharing not applicable as no datasets generated and/or analysed for this study.