Technology
an extension of the Orthopaedic Department’s robotic strategy to bring technology and computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery to more of the implants used for patients across the country.
Golden Jubilee surgeons reported their enhanced ability to plan the operation before going into the operating theatre – essentially seeing the outcome on screen before the patient was even under anaesthetic, facilitating more consistent outcomes. For Scotland’s surgeons, RAS technology
eliminates unintentional hand tremor, improves visualisation, dexterity and fluidity of movement, while allowing safer, more precise access to complex anatomical areas such as the pelvis, the chest, and oral cavity. RAS also holds the promise of significant long-term benefits by reducing the likelihood of patients requiring repeat joint replacements in later life, potentially saving millions for NHS Scotland in future years. Perhaps among the greatest achievements, some truly world-leading RAS breakthroughs are being pioneered in Scotland. In November last year, it was reported that Tayside-based expertise had been central to completing a world-first in robotic stroke surgery, after Professor Iris Grunwald performed a robotic thrombectomy on a human cadaver. The truly interesting part about this was that she performed the thrombectomy at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, while the body she was operating on with remote technological assistance was some distance away at the University of Dundee. A few hours later, this was taken a significant
step further when a neurosurgeon in Florida used the same technology to carry out the first transatlantic surgery to remove a blood clot from a human brain. Ricardo Hanel managed this incredible feat from his Florida base by operating on a body situated in Dundee some 4,000 miles away. It is thought to be a potentially transformative
breakthrough for stroke care with delays in accessing specialist treatment known to have a direct impact on the chances of recovery. It is also interesting to note that, against the backdrop of a global shortage of surgeons qualified to carry out the operation, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh are among the few cities where it is possible. Indeed, the University of Dundee is the global training centre of the World Federation for Interventional Stroke Treatment. Prof Grunwald said: “The technology truly bridges the gap between operator and patient, no matter the distance. It felt as if we were witnessing the first glimpse of the future. Where previously this was thought to be science
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Above: Da Vinci Xi robot
fiction, we demonstrated that every step of the procedure can already be done.” Scotland has further led the way in executing the first clinical cases of robotic aortic valve replacement (AVR) through a tiny incision in the neck, and this approach could potentially be applied to a wide range of cardiothoracic procedures. Three out of four cardiac centres in Scotland use the innovative technology of Glasgow-based CardioPrecision – a spinout of InnoScot Health, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and the Golden Jubilee National Hospital. Last year, the world leader in transcervical access for the treatment of structural heart disease successfully extended its robotic- assisted procedure to patients with the use of its CoreVista Robot Enabling Platform. The ability to complete such complex
procedures using minimally invasive surgery is huge for Scotland, and the country is also proving itself to be a world leader on many levels, encompassing collaborations across NHS, industry, and academia. It is an exciting time that is full of possibility with Scotland enjoying a commanding position in many regards – but the country must continue to invest and set its sights higher amid what many surgeons believe is the biggest step forward in surgical care of modern times. Last year, Stewart Miller, CEO of the National
Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, said: “The future is being shaped by those who embrace robotics. Scotland has every reason to be among them. Let’s not just watch the robotics revolution – let’s lead it.”
CSJ
References 1. Tafat W, Budka M, McDonald D, Middleton RG,
Welsh F, Wainwright TW. Robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement in NHS scotland: trends and efficiency implications (2020-2024). J Robot Surg. 2026 Jan 9;20(1):160. doi: 10.1007/ s11701-025-03086-7. PMID: 41511564; PMCID: PMC12789219.
About the author
Graham Watson is the Executive Chair of InnoScot Health, which works in partnership with NHS Scotland, industry, and academia to identify, protect, develop and commercialise healthcare innovations to improve patient care. Formed in 2002, InnoScot Health is a private company registered in Scotland (SC236303) and limited by guarantee with three shareholders – Scottish Ministers through the Chief Scientist Office, NHS Tayside and the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital. InnoScot Health’s multidisciplinary team uses specialised knowledge to help bring new ideas and innovations from healthcare professionals to life. Visit:
www.innoscot.com
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