UAE-Funded XCath Achieves Milestone with World’s First-In-Human Telerobotic Stroke Surgery
In a groundbreaking development for medical technology, XCath, a pioneering medical device company specializing in neuro-endovascular surgical robotics, has successfully completed the world’s first in-human telerobotic stroke procedure. This achievement marks a significant advancement in the field of remote surgery, showcasing the potential of robotics in addressing critical healthcare challenges.
The Procedure and Its Significance
The landmark remote robotic mechanical thrombectomy was executed using the XCath Iris Endovascular Robotic (EVR) System by Dr. Vitor Mendes Pereira, M.D., from a control room in Santiago, Panama, situated 200 kilometers away from the patient at the Panama Clinic in Panama City. Local principal investigator, Dr. Anastasio Ameijeiras Sibauste, supervised the procedure on-site.
Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability globally, claiming over 5 million lives annually and leaving approximately 80 million individuals with post-stroke disabilities. Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is recognized as the gold standard treatment for ischemic strokes involving large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, access to this life-saving intervention is alarmingly limited, with an American Heart Association study indicating that global access to MT stands at a mere 2.79%.
Technological Advancements and Implications
The XCath Iris System, first demonstrated at Abu Dhabi Health in 2025, has achieved submillimeter precision in surgery, operating seamlessly over long-distance connections without latency during the successful MT procedure. Notably, XCath’s Iris System is the only endovascular robotic system in development capable of neurointerventional treatment and is recognized as the world’s sole triaxial neurovascular robot for this purpose. Following successful telerobotic aneurysm procedures in November 2025, the recent MT procedure further cements XCath’s leadership in neurovascular and endovascular telerobotics.
Neeraj Agrawal, Executive Director of Crescent Enterprises and a board member at XCath, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that XCath has set a new standard in stroke treatment by delivering remote mechanical thrombectomy with the highest level of care. He noted that the UAE’s ongoing investments in AI, robotics, and medical technology exemplify how this ecosystem fosters breakthrough innovations, effectively delivering technology from the UAE to the global stage.
Future of Remote Surgery
Agrawal highlighted that this milestone will catalyze the regulatory and policy support necessary for making remote treatments more widely accessible. He asserted that telerobotics represents the future of surgery, positioning XCath at the forefront of this transformative landscape.
Eduardo Fonseca, CEO of XCath, remarked on the importance of this achievement in creating a world where access to life-saving surgeries is available regardless of geographical constraints. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of neurovascular surgery and remote surgical robotics experts, alongside the support from UAE-based Crescent Enterprises, which has enabled XCath’s engineers and advisors to reach this milestone.
Dr. Vitor Mendes Pereira, who performed the surgery, noted that this procedure builds on results from a demonstration held during Abu Dhabi Health the previous year, aimed at proving and scaling the technology. He pointed out that while mechanical thrombectomy is proven to reduce mortality and disability in ischemic stroke patients, access to the procedure remains critically low. The investment in XCath’s technology and the support from the UAE’s innovation ecosystem are vital for expanding access to mechanical thrombectomy globally.
Enhancing Access to Care
The introduction of telerobotic platforms can significantly enhance access to surgical interventions in regions lacking specialized treatment facilities. By enabling surgeons to operate remotely, these platforms can reduce time-to-treatment, a crucial factor in stroke outcomes. The adage “time is brain” underscores the urgency of timely intervention, as patients can lose over 2 million brain cells per minute until treatment is administered. Ideally, mechanical thrombectomy should occur within hours of stroke onset.
The successful completion of this surgery coincides with XCath’s announcement of securing $30 million in Series C funding, co-led by Crescent Enterprises, bringing the total funding raised since the company’s inception to $92 million. These funds will support XCath’s ongoing efforts to bring the world’s first commercially practical endovascular robot to market and to conduct clinical telerobotic mechanical thrombectomies.
About XCath
Founded in 2017, XCath is a dynamic startup committed to enhancing neurovascular care through robotic technology. The XCath Iris System is the only endovascular robotic system currently under development that has achieved remote robotic intracranial navigation and neurointerventional procedures.
With campuses strategically located in Houston, Texas—home to the world’s largest medical center—and Pangyo, South Korea, often referred to as the Silicon Valley of Korea, XCath is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions to patients globally.
The XCath Iris endovascular robotic system is still under development and has not yet received clearance for commercial distribution in any country.
For more information, refer to the original reporting source: Zawya.
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