Baptist Health participates in pre-clinical demonstration of innovative remote robotic technology that increases access to life-saving stroke treatments

In a breakthrough for the future of stroke care, Baptist Health recently participated in a pre-clinical demonstration of a robotic system that helps surgeons remove blood clots remotely, even from thousands of miles away. The successful demonstration on October 2, 2025, marked a major step forward in expanding access to time-critical, life-saving stroke treatments.

Endovascular neurosurgeon Ricardo Hanel, MD, PhD, the co-medical director of the Baptist Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center, performed a mechanical thrombectomy to remove blood clots from a perfused human cadaver model 4,000 miles away at the University of Dundee in Scotland. Working with interventional neuroradiologist Professor Iris Grunwald, MD, PhD, and her Dundee team, the group performed the first transatlantic robot-assisted stroke procedure of its kind, with specialist surgeons guiding the interventions from different hospitals in Jacksonville and Dundee.

“We were honored to be a test site for this groundbreaking use of remote robotic technology,” said Michael A. Mayo, DHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Baptist Health. “Dr. Hanel and the team here at Baptist Health provide world-class neurosurgical interventions each day, and the potential for these life-saving procedures to be delivered in a timely manner can bring new sources of hope and healing to a countless number of patients.”

During the intervention, Dr. Hanel maneuvered a catheter and guidewire via a console equipped with video screens and a high-resolution sensory system capable of replicating his hand movements with precision. These maneuvers were repeated in real time by a robot in Scotland connected to the console via a digital network. Unlike joystick-controlled surgical robots, the system delivers authentic force feedback to the surgeon’s fingertips—recreating the tactile experience of manual surgery.

Around 60% of Americans, particularly those in more rural areas, do not have timely access to stroke centers that can perform a thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain. An estimated 1.9 million brain cells die every minute during a stroke, making quick intervention essential for saving lives and reducing the likelihood of long-term disability.

“Every minute is precious for stroke patients to ensure they have the best possible outcomes. Traveling hours to receive specialized treatment is not a luxury they can afford,” said Dr. Hanel. “Breakthrough remote technologies are bridging geographical gaps and removing distance as a barrier to care. We are proud to be contributing to the advancement of stroke care.”

Baptist Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center is the regional leader in advanced diagnostics and treatments for strokes, brain aneurysms and other cerebrovascular conditions. Located at Baptist Jacksonville, it is the area’s only Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center -- the “gold standard” of stroke certifications. Its team of neuro-endovascular surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologists, emergency physicians and nurses, radiologists, neurological nurses, rehabilitation specialists and more provide patients with the full continuum of care, from rapid diagnosis and treatment to recovery and rehabilitation. The center’s reach extends to more than two dozen hospitals and satellite ERs via the Telestroke Program, which virtually connects physicians and health care professionals in the greater Jacksonville area and South-Central Georgia with Baptist Health’s stroke experts. Accessible 24/7, the program promotes quicker diagnosis and treatment, reduces potential disability and saves lives.

For more information on Baptist Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center, please visit: BaptistJax.com/Stroke.