Canadian surgeons perform remote robotic angiograms, potentially first worldwide thrombectomy

On August 28, 2025, neurosurgeon Dr. Vitor Mendes Pereira performed a diagnostic brain angiogram for a Toronto patient while standing six kilometres away from St. Michael’s Hospital, using a fibre‑optic internet‑connected robot. The St. Michael’s team has already completed 10 such remote angiograms, and is preparing a first‑in‑world endovascular thrombectomy for a patient in Sault Ste. Marie, 500 km away. The system, acquired by Unity Health Toronto, costs between $1 million and $3 million and operates in real‑time through a remote control room. If used 20 times per year, the robot could save up to $2 million in health‑care costs by eliminating air transport for 12–17 yearly strokes that would otherwise require Sudbury trips. Rural patients could receive timely care and stay near home.