Evaluation of Robotic-Assisted Carotid Artery Stenting in a Virtual Model Using Motion-Based Performance Metrics.

Area of Science:

• Endovascular surgery
• Medical robotics
• Vascular interventions

Background:

• Robotic-assisted carotid artery stenting (CAS) shows promise, but quantitative comparisons with manual techniques are lacking.
• This study addresses the need for objective performance metrics in CAS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively compare surgical performance between manual and robotic-assisted CAS using tool tip kinematic data and precision metrics.
• To evaluate differences in navigation, device positioning, and procedural efficiency.

Main Methods:

• CAS procedures were performed manually and robotically in an ex vivo endovascular simulator.
• Participants navigated carotid anatomies, and kinematic data (SPARC, velocity, idle time) were extracted.
• Procedural time, fluoroscopy time, and device positioning precision were recorded and compared.

Main Results:

• Robotic-assisted CAS showed significantly smoother navigation (lower SPARC values) and higher idle time.
• Stent and balloon positioning precision were comparable between manual and robotic methods.
• Procedural time was significantly longer for robotic-assisted CAS, while fluoroscopy time showed no significant difference.

Conclusions:

• Robotic-assisted CAS is comparable to manual CAS in device positioning precision.
• Robotic systems offer smoother navigation and enhanced motion stabilization during CAS.
• These findings support the accuracy and capability of robotic endovascular systems.