Coronary artery disease is one the most common cardiovascular diseases and is among the leading causes of death globally. When it comes to treatment for this condition, a common procedure, widely accepted as a gold standard, is percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Formerly known as angioplasty with stent, PCI usually involves using a catheter to insert one or more stents to open narrowed coronary arteries.
It should come as no surprise that with populations everywhere growing and aging, heart disease as well as PCIs are on the rise. Historically, PCIs have been performed manually, by interventionalists possessing extraordinary deftness and skill. But the sheer complexity of the job, and the overwhelming precision that is often required, from time-to-time result in difficulties. And these difficulties sometimes affect patient outcomes.
This paper examines various challenges associated with manual PCI, and then explores a potential solution – a rapidly emerging alternative to the complex, demanding procedure so many patients rely on today. The deployment of robotic-assisted PCI (R-PCI) offers an advance in precision, safety, and value that healthcare providers and organizations would do well to consider, and patients are likely soon to demand.
This paper is part of the Siemens Healthineers Insights Series. It provides ideas and practical solutions on how to deliver high-value care.
Key takeaways from the paper
- R-PCI takes the decision-making of cardiologists and combines it with robotic precision, control, and procedural automation.
- R-PCI provides automation techniques to less experienced physicians to manage more complex cases.
- R-PCI reduces the staff job absences by minimizing radiation and orthopedics risks.
- R-PCI sets organizations and cath lab apart, helping to attract more patients and talented physicians.
- R-PCI can lead to business value for the providers by reducing costs and increasing revenue.
Further reading: The future is here
Over the next 10 years, we can expect robotic systems to evolve and become more sophisticated, with the ability to do more things and do them better. Continue the read on the topic with our paper “The future of interventional services” to learn how healthcare organizations can harness clinical, organizational, and financial benefits on their investment in robotic systems in the long term.
About the author
Luis M. Lasalvia, MD
Vice President and Global Medical Officer, Siemens Healthineers
Dr. Luis Lasalvia drives for more effective and patient centric healthcare in actual practice, by integrating medicine, technology, and finance. His clinical expertise is coupled with extensive team leader experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. He has been guest speaker, panelist, and moderator at approx. 500 conferences and events around the world, submitted several patents in the US and Europe, and authored more than 50 papers and articles in peer review journals and other prestigious publications.
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