XCath, a medical device company backed by UAE-based Crescent Enterprises, has successfully executed the world’s first in-human telerobotic stroke procedure. The milestone remote mechanical thrombectomy was performed across a 200-kilometer distance, marking a critical advancement in making complex neurovascular care globally accessible.
Quick Facts
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XCath completed the first remote robotic mechanical thrombectomy.
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The UAE-backed startup recently secured a $30M Series C.
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Surgery occurred over a 200-kilometer distance with zero latency.
Bridging the Global Access Gap in Neurovascular Surgery
Mechanical thrombectomy is the gold standard for treating ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion. Despite its high efficacy, global access to this lifesaving treatment sits at a mere 2.79%, according to the American Heart Association.
Stroke remains a massive global health crisis, claiming over five million lives annually and leaving 80 million people with long-term disabilities. Because patients can lose up to two million brain cells per minute during a stroke, time-to-treatment is the most critical determinant in patient outcomes.
To solve this access gap, the XCath Iris Endovascular Robotic (EVR) System allows specialized surgeons to operate on patients from afar. During this initial procedure, Dr. Vitor Mendes Pereira controlled the system from a remote center in Santiago, Panama, successfully treating a patient located 200 kilometers away at the Panama Clinic in Panama City. Local principal investigator Dr. Anastasio Ameijeiras Sibauste oversaw the physical site alongside the patient.
UAE Investment Fuels Medical Technology and AI
The historic surgery arrives just a week after XCath closed a $30 million Series C funding round co-led by Crescent Enterprises. The medical device startup has now raised $92 million since its inception.
Neeraj Agrawal, Executive Director at Crescent Enterprises and XCath Board member, highlighted the strategic importance of the region’s focus on technological innovation.
“XCath has achieved what no other surgical robotics company has accomplished in stroke treatment, delivering a remote mechanical thrombectomy at the highest standard of care,” Agrawal said.
He added: “As the UAE continues to invest in AI, robotics, and medical technology, XCath demonstrates how this ecosystem enables breakthrough innovation. This is truly technology delivered from the UAE to the world.”
Advancing Telerobotics and Remote Patient Care
The success of the XCath Iris System builds on its initial demonstration at Abu Dhabi Health in 2025, followed by successful telerobotic aneurysm procedures later that year. The triaxial neurovascular robot delivered submillimeter precision over a long-distance connection with imperceptible latency, ensuring a smooth surgical workflow.
Dr. Pereira emphasized the critical nature of these technological advancements for global health outcomes.
“Mechanical thrombectomy is proven to reduce mortality and disability in patients with ischemic stroke, but unfortunately access to the procedure is extremely low,” Dr. Pereira stated. “That’s why the investment made in XCath’s technology, and the support of UAE’s innovation ecosystem is so critical to broadening access to mechanical thrombectomy for patients around the world.”
XCath CEO Eduardo Fonseca noted that the company will use its newly secured capital to push the Iris system toward full commercial availability and conduct further clinical telerobotic mechanical thrombectomy trials.
About XCath
Founded in 2017, XCath is a medical technology startup focused on improving neurovascular care through advanced robotic capabilities. Operating from campuses in Houston, Texas, and Pangyo, South Korea, the company is developing the Iris System, currently the only endovascular robotic platform to achieve remote intracranial navigation and neurointerventional procedures. The system remains in development and is not yet cleared for commercial distribution.
Source: Zawya
