Robotic-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention

Performance of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with several occupational hazards including radiation exposure and musculoskeletal injury. Current methods to mitigate these risks range from suspended radiation suits to adjustable lead-lined glass shields. Robotic-assisted PCI is a novel approach to PCI that utilizes remote-controlled technology to manipulate catheters thereby significantly reducing radiation exposure to the operator and catheterization laboratory staff. Although limited, current evidence indicates that robotic-assisted PCI is associated with a high technical success rate and may have additional advantages over conventional PCI, such as a decreased incidence of geographical miss. However, as the technology is nascent, further studies including larger, randomized controlled trials are needed to expand on the long-term clinical and safety outcomes.