Glasgow-based company CardioPrecision has enhanced its reputation as a global pioneer after successfully executing the first clinical cases of robotic aortic valve replacement through a tiny incision in the neck

Last year, the global leader in transcervical access for the treatment of structural heart disease demonstrated a proof-of-concept AVATAR (Advanced Videoscopic Aortic surgery by Transcervical Approach using Robot-assistance) procedure for aortic valve replacement (AVR) in Chicago.

Surgery was successfully performed on a series of human cadavers using its CoreVista^® Robot Enabling Platform, representing an important step for the company — originally spun out of the NHS through InnoScot Health — in its ambition of progressing towards clinical cases.

Now, in a major global breakthrough, CardioPrecision has successfully extended its robotic-assisted procedure to patients. A small series of world first robot-assisted transcervical AVR procedures have been successfully carried out by cardiac surgeon Dr. Marijan Koprivanac and his team at the Cleveland Clinic.

Cleveland Clinic’s heart programme is internationally renowned for its leading cardiovascular care, ranking as the top heart hospital in the United States for 30 consecutive years, according to US News and World Report.

The transcervical approach is intended to minimise risks associated with conventional open heart surgery and means patients experience less pain and faster recovery.

This pioneering procedure represents a significant advancement in the field of cardiac surgery, offering a minimally invasive alternative for patients with aortic valve disease. Early clinical data was presented by Dr Koprivanac at the American Association for Thoracic Surgery annual meeting and the International Society for Minimally Invasive cardiothoracic Surgery annual meeting in May.

He demonstrated that CoreVista® technology’s versatility allows for implantation of either sutureless or conventional sutured valves.

“Combining the artificial heart valve with this new surgical technology means patients should experience less pain and less time in the hospital following heart surgery,” said Dr Koprivanac. “In fact, we believe that this may be one of the least invasive surgical heart valve replacement options available.”

Fraser Sutherland, MD, Chief Medical Officer of CardioPrecision, said: “The journey to realise our vision — to enable heart surgery to be performed through a small incision in the neck — began over a decade ago and is already delivering tangible patient benefits.

“It’s truly gratifying to witness the concept become a reality. Initially developed as a totally endoscopic procedure, we incorporated robot assistance to harness the exceptional dexterity afforded by surgical robots. Our aspiration is that every cardiac surgeon could offer this procedure to their patients.”

Ying Sutherland, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of CardioPrecision, added: “We are delighted to introduce this groundbreaking procedure to the medical community. Our unwavering commitment to advancing cardiovascular care has driven us to develop this innovative product, which we believe could revolutionise the approach to cardiac surgery. This is a significant milestone for CardioPrecision, and we look forward to more exciting developments ahead.”

Executive Chair of InnoScot Health, Graham Watson said: “We congratulate CardioPrecision on its landmark breakthrough in robotic-assisted aortic valve replacement (RAVR). It represents a vital step in producing improved outcomes thanks to minimally invasive techniques for easier procedures, much quicker healing, and fundamentally, making patients’ lives better.

“We are proud to be continuing to support those world-leading capabilities and to retain a presence on its board at such an important time in its success.”