Robotic coronary angioplasty: scientific evidence, practical aspects and future perspectives

Robotic percutaneous coronary intervention (R-PCI) is an emerging technology designed to improve operator safety and procedural precision. The interventional cardiologist is able to manipulate guidewires, catheters and devices from a specific cockpit. A number of studies evaluating R-PCI have shown high procedural success rates with low complications. R-PCI advantages include the possibility to perform an accurate stent positioning, to reduce the operator radiation exposure and orthopedic injuries. However, there is a limited experience regarding R-PCI in complex anatomies, that may still require manual assistance. Moreover, the technique is limited by current incompatibility with specific materials, the lack of tactile feedback and the possibility to robotically manage only one wire/device at the same time. Globally, R-PCI is a novel approach with future interesting implications, but further investigations are necessary to overcome current limitations.