Beijing, China, 28 November 2021 — Cathbot (Shanghai) Robot Co., Ltd. (Shanghai Cathbot^®), a joint venture between Shanghai MicroPort MedBot (Group) Co., Ltd. (MicroPort^® MedBot^®) and French company Robocath S.A.S (Robocath), announced today the completion of the first confirmatory clinical trial of the R-ONE^® Vascular Interventional Surgical Robot (R-ONE^®) at the 301st Hospital in China. This surgery, a robotic-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), was successfully led by Professor Yundai Chen, Director of the Department of Cardiology, for a patient with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Professor Chen Yundai and her team operate R-ONE^® Vascular Interventional Surgical Robot during the procedure

Operating from behind a radiation shield, Prof. Yundai Chen - without a lead apron, was able to remotely control the robotic arm, which placed the stent into coronary stenosis, by smoothly delivering and accurately positioning the guidewire at the dilatation location.

After the procedure, Prof. Yundai Chen commented, "R-ONE^® is an important milestone in the development of the field of vascular intervention. Not only does the robotic arm allow for precise positioning of balloons and stents, protecting the clinicians from radiation in the process. Additionally, thanks to its simplicity and ease, the learning curve of the procedure has also been greatly reduced, making the entire procedure more efficient, safer and greener.”

R-ONE^® is an innovative robotic solution for the pan-vascular segment of MicroPort^® MedBot^®. It is a navigation control system for vascular intervention based on the master-slave control methodology, which enables interventional cardiologists to perform procedures with greater precision. Furthermore, unlike in traditional vascular interventions where the surgeon is exposed to ionizing radiation from X-rays for extended periods of time. It is also believed that wearing a heavy lead apron for prolonged periods is likely to cause damage to the surgeon's skeletal system.

Supported by an articulated arm that helps precisely locate the lesion with enhanced guidance, R-ONE^® supports a better assessment of the affected vessel and improved delivery of balloons and stents. This allows for the standardization of the surgical procedure, while reducing surgical complications.

Dr. Philippe Bencteux, Chairman and Founder of Robocath, stated, “The success of the first confirmatory clinical trial of R-ONE^® in China is the result of a joint effort and win-win partnership between Robocath and MicroPort^® MedBot^®. We also greatly appreciate the efforts of Prof. Yundai Chen and the team from Shanghai Cathbot^®. This clinical trial marks the first step in the commercialization of robotic-assisted PCIs. Vascular interventional surgical robots, which feature a precise and efficient workflow, will disrupt traditional procedures, not only by improving the surgical safety for patients, but also by providing a safer working environment for clinicians.”

Dr. Chao He, President of MicroPort^® MedBot^®, said, “With its continuous clinical development, confirmatory and market approval, R-ONE^® will fill a gap in the field of robotic-assisted PCIs in China where no comparable products are available at the moment, bringing more benefits to doctors and patients.”

By responding to the pioneering development needs of minimally invasive surgery, MicroPort^® MedBot^® is committed to providing innovative total solutions to prolong and reshape the lives of patients with the help of medical robotics. Its current business covers five segments, including endoscope, orthopedics, vascular intervention, natural orifice, and percutaneous puncture.