"This state-of-the-art robotics technology will enhance patient care for our patients right across the West and North West of Ireland."

Chris Kane, General Manager of Galway University Hospitals

Galway University Hospitals has recently carried out the first Robotic Guided Coronary Intervention in Ireland and the UK. The innovative procedure combines the benefits of coronary intervention with the precision of robotics, offering a range of benefits to patients.

The new technology is used in stent procedures to relieve blockages in the arteries of the heart. It allows for greater precision, allowing the Interventional Cardiologists the ability to move the stent one millimetre at a time. It also provides the medical team with enhanced, close-up views of images and information during the entire procedure.

Game changer

Prof Faisal Sharif, Consultant Cardiologist, who carried out the first procedure at University Hospital Galway (UHG), welcomed the development as a “game changer.”

He explained that “robotic innovation has come a long way in the last decade. We in Galway are delighted to have performed the first Robotic Guided Coronary Intervention in Ireland and the UK. The main advantage of robotics is that they allow for safe and very precise stent placements.

“Traditionally, the coronary stent placement procedure was performed in the Cardiac Cath Lab resulting in staff exposure to radiation. So, the second main advantage of using robotics is the reduction in radiation exposure for the staff. Going forward we will be performing these procedures regularly. I would like to thank Science Foundation Ireland, University of Galway, and University Hospital Galway for their support,” he added.

Chris Kane, General Manager of Galway University Hospitals, welcomed the introduction of the new technology: “Innovations such as this are transforming medicine and will have a significant impact on future care. This state-of-the-art robotics technology will enhance patient care for our patients right across the West and North West of Ireland.”

Galway University Hospitals carries out first Robotic Guided Coronary Intervention in Ireland and the UK - saolta.ie