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A new global framework, the first of its kind, seeks to expand the use of robotics in stroke treatment by improving standards, safety, and access to advanced stroke care technologies worldwide
A new international framework is set to accelerate the adoption of robotics in stroke treatment by establishing consistent global standards for developing and testing robotic systems, such as those used in mechanical thrombectomy. This aims to improve patient outcomes, expand access to advanced care, and drive innovation while ensuring safety and reliability across healthcare systems.
First-ever global standards set to advance robotics in stroke care
Previously, there was no agreed framework for how robotic systems for mechanical thrombectomy should be built, tested or evaluated. The introduction of this new framework addresses that gap.
Mechanical thrombectomy is a procedure that removes blood clots from the brain and is needed within hours of stroke onset to achieve the best outcomes, but it requires specialist expertise, making access limited.
Robotic surgical systems could expand access to robotics in stroke treatment, including mechanical thrombectomy (MT), by enabling specialists to perform procedures remotely. However, progress has been hampered by a lack of standardisation across studies, which has slowed wider adoption and consistent clinical evaluation.
“In 2023, we carried out a systematic review of endovascular robotics and autonomy,” said Harry Robertshaw, first author and PhD student at the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences. “We found that although several studies existed, they were all testing different tasks, using different models and measuring different outcomes. This made it impossible to compare results or identify the most effective approaches.”
Experts set first global standards for robotic stroke treatment systems
To address these inconsistencies, researchers at King’s College London brought together an international team of experts in interventional neuroradiology, robotics, data science, health economics, policy, statistics, and patient advocacy, creating a framework for robotics in stroke treatment, specifically robotic mechanical thrombectomy.
The expert team created a position statement outlining clear guidelines for testing robotics in stroke treatment systems in studies and for measuring and reporting results, ensuring that findings are compared consistently across research and healthcare settings.
“By bringing together experts from clinical practice, academia, industry and patient representatives, we have defined the first consensus standards for robotics and AI in thrombectomy navigation. This will help to move the technology forward as its integration with clinical practice moves closer to reality,” added Harry Robertshaw, PhD student at the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences.
The paper highlights that robotics in stroke treatment could play a major role in improving access to life-saving care, particularly mechanical thrombectomy, by enabling remote operation from specialist centres and helping reduce treatment delays. It suggests that robotic systems may improve precision, reduce operator fatigue and radiation exposure, and support wider access to expert care in hospitals that currently lack specialist availability. However, the authors stress that the technology remains at an early experimental stage, with limited clinical evidence and no agreed global standards for testing, measuring performance, or comparing results across studies.
The researchers hope that the position statement will encourage more comparable studies and accelerate progress in the field.
Senior author Dr Thomas Booth commented: “While AI-assisted robotic MT is not yet ready for routine clinical use, the speed of innovation in both robotics and AI means transformative advances are likely to be just around the corner. Our work lays the foundation for that future by defining clear standards to ensure that global development and validation are well understood.”