Domestic Robotic System Outperforms Manual Methods in Cerebral Angiography Speed and Precision

A PUMCH study confirms the YDHB-NS01 robot-assisted system is safe and faster than manual methods for diagnostic cerebral angiography.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 13, 2026, 12:37 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

Revolutionizing the Gold Standard of Neuro-Diagnosis Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) remains the essential "gold standard" for identifying intracranial aneurysms and arterial stenosis, but it has traditionally required neurosurgeons to operate under heavy fluoroscopic guidance. This proximity to the radiation zone has long been a safety concern for medical professionals. To mitigate this risk, researchers at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) evaluated the YDHB-NS01 robot-assisted system, designed to allow surgeons to perform complex catheter maneuvers remotely. The study represents a major step forward in the integration of domestically produced medical robotics into high-stakes cerebrovascular care.

Efficiency Gains and Comparative Performance The clinical trial compared twenty-five robot-assisted procedures against twenty-five manual procedures, all performed by a single neurosurgeon between May and August 2025. While both groups achieved a 100% technical and clinical success rate, the robotic system demonstrated a significant advantage in efficiency. The median procedure time for the robotic-assisted group was just 27 minutes, compared to 38 minutes for the manual group—a statistically significant reduction. Crucially, this speed did not come at the cost of patient safety, as there were no differences in fluoroscopy time or radiation dose between the two methods.

Precision Control and Force Feedback One of the primary technical hurdles for vascular robotics is replicating the "feel" of manual catheter manipulation. The YDHB-NS01 system addressed this through advanced manipulators and responsive control handles. Dr. Zhao’s team reported that the system operated with high stability, providing the operator with smooth guidewire delivery and reliable force feedback. These features allowed for the clear visualization of all target vessels, meeting the strict diagnostic requirements for cerebrovascular disease without mechanical failure or puncture-related complications.

Safety Outcomes and the Learning Curve The safety profile of the robotic system was impeccable during the post-marketing case series. Out of the fifty patients studied, zero complications were reported, including a total absence of vessel spasms, perforations, or thromboembolisms. Notably, the study identified a brief "learning curve" for the robotic platform. While the ini...