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Updated: Jul 31, 2026
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Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplantation
Published on: July 19, 2021
Remote percutaneous renal access using a new automated telesurgical robotic system
J Bauer1, B R Lee, D Stoianovici
1Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (MRMC), Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702-5012, USA.
Summary
Remote telesurgery successfully used a robotic system for percutaneous renal access. This novel telerobotic intervention demonstrated safe and rapid needle placement in the kidney.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Robotics
- Telesurgery
Background:
- Remote telesurgery has advanced with video teleconferencing for laparoscopic procedures.
- A new robotic system, PAKY (percutaneous access of the kidney), was developed for renal surgery.
Observation:
- The PAKY robot, a six-degrees of freedom device, was integrated into a telesurgical system.
- It was custom-designed for fluoroscopic-guided percutaneous needle insertion into the renal collecting system.
- Remote control was achieved via a plain old telephone system (POTS) line.
Findings:
- The first remote telerobotic percutaneous renal access procedure was performed between the US and Italy in 1998.
- The system successfully obtained percutaneous renal access within 20 minutes with two attempts.
- This demonstrated the feasibility and safety of remote needle access to the kidney.
Implications:
- This robotic system represents a significant advancement in remote telesurgical interventions for kidney procedures.
- It highlights the potential for accurate and rapid needle access in percutaneous interventions.
- The success of this telerobotic approach paves the way for future remote urological surgeries.
