Toronto Surgeons to Pioneer Remote Robotic Surgery in Sault Ste. Marie

In a groundbreaking initiative, doctors in Toronto are set to perform remote robotic surgeries on patients in Sault Ste. Marie, beginning as early as 2026. This innovative procedure aims to address critical health needs by allowing the timely removal of blood clots in stroke patients without the lengthy transfer to Sudbury, which often delays treatment. Dr. Mike Kutryk, head of cardiology at Sault Area Hospital and affiliated with St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, will collaborate with a specialist in Toronto to execute these operations from a distance.

The procedure is designed to significantly reduce the time it takes to treat stroke victims. Dr. Kutryk emphasized the urgency of timely intervention, stating, “The transfer times are excessively long sometimes, and we say every second is brain cells.” As untreated clots can lead to permanent brain damage or death, the new technology could be life-saving for the approximately 18 stroke cases that occur annually at the Sault hospital.

A catheter, a thin tube typically inserted through an artery in the groin, will be the primary tool for these surgeries. While Dr. Kutryk is experienced in using catheters for heart conditions, the remote operation will extend this technology to the brain, where the catheter will retrieve clots directly.

Dr. Vitor Mendes Pereira, a robotics specialist at St. Michael’s, will be instrumental in guiding the catheter remotely. He has successfully conducted similar procedures using a joystick connected to the internet, demonstrating that remote robotic surgery is not only feasible but potentially more precise than traditional methods. “All doctors, all humans have a little bit of jitter in their hands. Robots don’t have the same thing,” Dr. Kutryk noted, highlighting the advantages of robotic assistance in delicate surgeries.

Testing and Implementation Plans

Before any human procedures can occur, extensive testing is planned. Dr. Kutryk revealed that the two hospitals will establish protocols for the first six months of 2026 to conduct tests on simulators. If successful, they hope to perform their first human case later that year.

The development of this technology has not come without challenges. Initially, Sault Area Hospital’s administration expressed apprehension about the project, worrying that patients might become “guinea pigs” in untested procedures. However, after thorough discussions and demonstrations of the technology’s safety and efficacy, support for the initiative has grown.

A significant aspect of the project is ensuring the reliability of the internet connection, which is critical for the success of remote surgeries. Dr. Kutryk mentioned that for several months, they collaborated with Rogers to test internet speeds, ensuring minimal delay during operations. “The Internet speeds are remarkably fast here,” he stated, reassuring stakeholders of the technological feasibility.

Dr. Kutryk’s vision extends beyond the immediate benefits for Sault Ste. Marie. By pioneering this approach, he hopes to set a precedent that could allow for faster, life-saving treatments in underserved regions worldwide. The remote robotic surgery initiative represents a significant leap forward in medical technology, with the potential to transform how healthcare is delivered in remote areas lacking specialized medical services.

As the project progresses, Dr. Kutryk remains optimistic that it will lead to enhanced health outcomes for stroke patients and could serve as a model for future remote surgeries globally.