China performs cardiac catheterization with AI-powered robot

The procedure was carried out at the Sixth Medical Center of the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, known as Hospital 301, specifically in its Advanced Cardiology Department, which supervised the pioneering operation.

The new system operates through a two-way connection between real-time ultrasound image analysis and automated control of surgical instruments, reducing the need for continuous human intervention.

Cardiac catheterization is commonly used to treat certain congenital heart defects, including openings between the chambers of the heart, without the need for open-heart surgery. During these procedures, a physician guides a thin tube through a blood vessel to the heart and uses real-time imaging to direct it to the site of the defect and close it.

The new system, however, differs from conventional surgical robots, which require direct control by a physician. It uses artificial intelligence and deep-learning technologies to analyze ultrasound images and translate them into precise movements of surgical instruments, allowing it to autonomously perform some guidance and maneuvering tasks.

The robot can analyze ultrasound images of the heart, identify the location of the defect, and guide instruments through the blood vessels to position a closure device at the appropriate site, while reducing the need for continuous human guidance.

Traditional cardiac catheterization procedures typically rely on X-ray fluoroscopy, exposing both patients and medical staff to radiation. Ultrasound-guided procedures, by contrast, can be performed without radiation, potentially providing an important safety advantage.

The technology could help improve safety during medical procedures and pave the way for broader access to specialized cardiac care. Complex ultrasound-guided interventions generally require specialized expertise and extensive training, while combining AI with robotics could help reduce the workload on physicians and expand the use of these techniques.

Automation may also help reduce certain forms of human error, improve procedural accuracy and streamline clinical workflows. However, these potential benefits still require further clinical evaluation.

The system's potential applications may extend beyond routine cardiac procedures. In the future, it could be used in emergency situations, remote surgery and to support specialized medical care in remote areas.

The development comes amid a growing global trend toward integrating artificial intelligence and robotics into cardiology. Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have previously conducted experiments with autonomous robotic catheterization systems to repair leaking heart valves in live animals. Meanwhile, specialized companies have received regulatory approvals for AI-based systems designed to assist in acquiring ultrasound images of the heart.

These developments point to a gradual shift in cardiology toward imaging- and AI-driven robotic platforms designed to enhance the accuracy and safety of procedures and expand access to specialized care.