ETH spinoff Nanoflex Robotics developed a medical robotic system that can precisely insert specially made guidewires and catheters deep into the brain. It uses uses a compact magnetic field generator and a navigation control unit to guide ultra-flexible devices through the body for a range of complex vascular interventions. This approach gives physicians greater control and dexterity over procedures, allowing for safer and more precise interventions that enhance patient care, reduce complications, and improve overall outcomes. Moreover, the system enables physicians to conduct procedures remotely.
The company’s first target application is to make remote mechanical thrombectomies a reality for acute ischemic stroke patients, which could reduce the need for inter-hospital transfers, thus accelerating the restoration of blood flow and potentially better preserving a patient’s quality of life.
The company’s remote-ready robotics system will now be deployed at the Jacobs Institute's cutting-edge medical center in Buffalo, New York, for usability testing, in-vivo studies, and training. Due to growing clinician interest in the technology, it will also serve as a site for surgical demonstrations.
“Robotic neurovascular intervention is undoubtably the future. We are delighted to work with Nanoflex Robotics to prove this concept,” said Adnan Siddiqui, CEO and CMO of the Jacobs Institute and vice-chairman and professor of neurosurgery in the University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
“We believe remote robotics has the potential to transform surgical outcomes and benefit patients, by enabling greater and earlier access to critical treatments”, acknowledged Matt Curran, CEO of Nanoflex Robotics, who is also thrilled about this partnership.
Nanoflex Robotics was founded in Zurich in 2021 by Bradley Nelson, Christophe Chautems and Matt Curran. So far, the startup has raised CHF 2.9M in investment funding. The installation of Nanoflex Robotics’ first remote robotics system comes shortly after the company received its ISO 13485 certification for its quality management system in designing and manufacturing remote robotic devices for endovascular interventions.
(Press release / SR)
Image: ©Nanoflex Robotics AG; The Nanoflex Robotics team poses with Dr. Adnan Siddiqui, CEO of The Jacobs Institute.
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