XCath Makes Medical History With the World’s First Remote Robotic Intervention in a Stroke Patient

HOUSTON & PANAMA CITY, Panama–(BUSINESS WIRE)–XCath, a medical device company advancing neuro-endovascular surgical robotics, announced today the successful completion of the world’s first telerobotic stroke procedure in a clinical investigation termed Operation Robo Angel. This landmark remote robotic mechanical thrombectomy was performed using the XCath Iris Surgical Robotic System by neurosurgeon Vitor Mendes Pereira, M.D. in Clinica Norte in Santiago, Panama, over 200 kilometers (120 miles) from the patient in Panama City. Local neurosurgeon, Anastasio Ameijeiras Sibauste, M.D. and robotic technologist Nicole Cancelliere were with the patient at The Panama Clinic.

The Iris System demonstrated precision in navigating and delivering therapeutic devices over a long-distance connection, with no perceptible latency during the successful mechanical thrombectomy procedure.

“The world’s first telerobotic neurosurgery was made possible by an exceptional team working alongside more than 60 physicians across five hospitals, all united around a single priority: patients,” said Eduardo Fonseca, CEO of XCath. “The true legacy of this moment will be measured in the millions of lives that could be saved each year as stroke treatment reaches patients who today have no access to it.”

As a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, stroke is a global health crisis. It is estimated that one in four adults will have a stroke in their lifetime. Each year, stroke claims over 5 million lives globally and leaves another 5 million people living with post-stroke severe disability. Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the gold standard treatment for stroke caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO), but this lifesaving treatment is out of reach for most. According to a study published by the American Heart Association, global median access to MT is only 2.79% underscoring the urgent need for innovative solutions that extend stroke care beyond major medical centers.

“Mechanical thrombectomy is proven to reduce mortality and disability in patients with ischemic stroke but unfortunately access to the procedure is extremely low. The work XCath has done with the Iris System is a giant step toward broadening access to mechanical thrombectomy for patients around the world,” Dr. Vitor Mendes Pereira said. “The experience of performing the first-in-human procedure matched the successful simulated procedures we previously performed with the team, with imperceptibly low latency and no disruptions to the surgical workflow. It is the highlight of my career to be involved in this historic achievement.”

A male patient in his late 60s presenting with acute stroke symptoms initially arrived at a referring hospital, where diagnostic imaging confirmed a large vessel occlusion (LVO) of the left middle cerebral artery (M1 segment). The patient was rapidly transferred to the primary treatment center (The Panama Clinic), where he was assessed with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 21, indicating a severe stroke and a high likelihood of death or devastating disability without rapid intervention. Upon arrival, the patient was immediately taken to the operating suite for telerobotic endovascular treatment. Total transfer time between sites was approximately 15 minutes. During transport, the onsite clinical team prepared the procedure room with the Iris System and established connectivity with the remote clinical team and remote operator.

Using the Iris System, the remote operator robotically navigated therapeutic devices through the intracranial vasculature to the site of occlusion. Mechanical thrombectomy was performed with the combined technique utilizing a stent retriever and balloon occlusion with dual aspiration. The clot was successfully removed on the first pass, achieving complete reperfusion of the affected vessel with a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score of 3 at the conclusion of the telerobotic thrombectomy procedure. The patient was evaluated after the surgical procedure and showed improvement in both general condition and neurological functions. At 24 hours, the patient continued to progress, with a score of 2 on the NIHSS. The patient is expected to make a complete recovery.

“XCath has accomplished what no other company has achieved in stroke care: a successful remote robotic mechanical thrombectomy delivering lifesaving treatment to a patient that would have otherwise not been able to receive treatment. It was a privilege to be present in this historic moment,” said Dr. Fred Moll, Chairman of XCath. “I believe that the XCath system will help create a new standard of care for stroke patients around the world.”

Telerobotic platforms can expand access to mechanical thrombectomy in regions where it is currently unavailable and may also shorten time-to-treatment by bringing the surgeon to the patient, rather than the other way around. Time-to-treatment is a critical determinant in stroke outcomes. In stroke, “time is brain” and patients may lose more than 2 million brain cells per minute until treatment is initiated. 77% of large vessel occlusion stroke patients die or become severely disabled without effective early treatment.

“Panama is honored to be the birthplace of a medical breakthrough that will save countless lives around the world. XCath’s Operation Robo Angel demonstrates the extraordinary potential that emerges when visionary leadership meets the dedication of our Physicians and institutions. This historic achievement reflects the spirit of Panamanian collaboration and our nation’s commitment to advancing healthcare for humanity. On behalf of the people of Panama, we proudly celebrate this milestone and the global hope it represents for patients and families affected by stroke,” said His Excellency Jose Raul Mulino, President of the Republic of Panama.

In May 2024, XCath conducted the world’s first public demonstration of a simulated remote mechanical thrombectomy, with Dr. Pereira operating from Abu Dhabi on a simulated patient in South Korea. In February 2025, XCath performed the world’s first telerobotic mechanical thrombectomy on an animal model.

Following the successful first-in-human brain aneurysm procedures completed in November 2025, this historic mechanical thrombectomy further solidifies XCath’s position as the global leader in endovascular robotics.

About Operation Robo Angel

Operation Robo Angel represents an unprecedented level of multidisciplinary collaboration and marks a historic step toward bringing lifesaving stroke care to patients regardless of geography. A public awareness campaign was launched to educate on the signs of stroke and when to seek care. For one week, teams of physicians and clinical research coordinators staffed the emergency departments of three major hospitals to screen potential stroke patients. XCath engineers continuously tested the dedicated fiber connection and validated connectivity. The coordination among physicians, engineers, hospitals and public health teams resulted in a fully integrated system capable of identifying a critically ill stroke patient and delivering without delay treatment they would otherwise not have access to.

About XCath

Founded in 2017, XCath is a dynamic startup and the industry leader in the mission to improve neurovascular care through robotic capabilities. XCath’s Iris System is the only endovascular robotic system currently in development to have achieved remote robotic intracranial navigation and neurointerventional procedures. With strategically located campuses in Houston, Texas – home to the world’s largest medical center – and Pangyo, South Korea, often referred to as the Silicon Valley of Korea, XCath is committed to bringing its innovative solutions to patients around the world. XCath’s Iris System is the only endovascular robotic system in development to achieve local or telerobotic neurointerventional treatment and is also the world’s only triaxial neurovascular robot to perform treatment.

The XCath Iris endovascular surgical robotic system is currently under development. It is not yet cleared for commercial distribution in any country.

Attention producers: B-roll footage and photographs are available for download here. Please credit XCath Robotics.

Public Health Reminder: Stroke is an emergency. Acting quickly can save brain function and lives. Remember FAST—Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty. Time to call emergency services immediately.