Africa’s first vascular robotic medical machine at Wits Donald Gordon hospital

Wits University Donald Gordon Medical Centre has installed a state-of-the-art vascular suite with robotic capability.

Head of Vascular Surgery at Wits Donald Gordon, Professor Jay Pillai spoke at the launch of the state-of-the-art technology, “The Corindus CorPath machine with its cutting-edge robotics is the first of its kind in Africa and only the second worldwide to be used for vascular surgery.”

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It was explained that by using a minimally invasive robotic system, interventions such as stent deployment can enhance patient outcomes. Also, 3D images of the patient’s vascular system by fusing CT scan images with live imaging further enhanced patient safety during complex procedures.

Pillai said, “Robotic machines in terms of AI (Artificial Intelligence) are rare in the world. In terms of work that it can do for patients is powerful.”

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He explained how it will benefit South Africa and countries further afield with the opportunity to investigate and grow medical AI which is in its inception.

“This system, manufactured by Siemens Dubai, extends beyond the boundaries of treating peripheral arterial disease. Precision may be increased in gastrointestinal cancer surgeries by assisting doctors to identify small blood vessels that need to be protected,” said Courtney Ching Sent of Vascumed.

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“This system allows physicians to sit in a radiation-resistant cockpit and use various joysticks and controls that translate their movements to the machine. Apart from reducing the surgeon’s exposure to radiation, it also leads to a significant increase in precision interventions,” she said.

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