Robot-Assisted Cerebral Angiography Successfully Conducted in Beijing

Background

Cerebral angiography is an important diagnostic procedure used to visualize blood vessels in the brain, particularly for conditions such as intracranial aneurysms. These abnormalities in cerebral arteries can pose risks of rupture or other complications, making precise imaging essential for diagnosis and planning further management. Traditional manual cerebral angiography relies on fluoroscopy, where physicians manipulate catheters and guidewires inserted typically via the femoral artery to reach target vessels in the neck and brain, followed by injection of contrast medium to highlight vascular structures on X-ray images.

Conventional approaches require the operator to stand tableside wearing heavy lead protective equipment for extended periods, resulting in radiation exposure and physical strain. Robotic systems have been introduced in neurointervention to potentially mitigate these challenges. The PANVIS-A® system, developed by Shenzhen Aibo Hechuang Medical Robot Co., Ltd. (also referred to as Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Biomedical Robot), received Class III medical device registration certification from China's NMPA in 2024. Randomized controlled trial data published in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery demonstrated that the system achieved 100% clinical and technical success rates comparable to manual procedures while reducing primary operator radiation exposure by approximately 96%.

What was achieved

In mid-2026, specifically reported around June 24 in one account, the Department of Neurosurgery at the First Medical Center of the People's Liberation Army General Hospital (301 Hospital) in Beijing successfully performed the city's first robot-assisted diagnostic full cerebral angiography using the PANVIS-A® cerebrovascular intervention robot. The case involved a patient with a left internal carotid artery ophthalmic segment aneurysm. The procedure was carried out by a team led by Director Zhang Jianning, with Deputy Chief Physician Liang Yongping acting as the primary operator.

During the intervention, the surgeon operated remotely from a control room via the robot's system rather than standing at the bedside in lead apparel. The robotic assistance enabled stable and sensitive navigation of guidewires and catheters through fine, tortuous cerebral vessels, resulting in clear visualization of the aneurysm's location, size, and morphology. This provided accurate information to inform subsequent treatment planning. Zhang Jianning was reported as stating that the system's intuitive controls and lower threshold for use allow physicians to concentrate on clinical judgment without the demands of radiation protection and physical fatigue. The achievement was described as marking a new phase in precise cerebrovascular disease management in the capital and laying technical groundwork for potential remote interventional procedures.

How it works

Cerebral angiography begins with vascular access, commonly through a puncture in the femoral artery in the groin area. A thin catheter and guidewire are then advanced under imaging guidance through the aorta and into the carotid or vertebral arteries supplying the brain. Once positioned, a contrast agent is injected through the catheter while X-ray or digital subtraction angiography (DSA) equipment captures real-time images that subtract bone and soft tissue to clearly display the contrast-filled blood vessels. This allows detection of aneurysms, stenoses, or other vascular pathologies.

In a robot-assisted approach with the PANVIS-A® system, a master-slave configuration is employed. The physician sits outside the radiation field in a control room and manipulates an intuitive interface known as PANVIS COF® (Catheter-On-Finger). This fingertip-style control system is designed to replicate natural hand movements for advancing, retracting, and rotating catheters and guidewires. The robotic arms at the patient table execute these commands with high stability and sub-millimeter precision, minimizing tremor and enabling smooth passage through complex cerebral vascular anatomy. The surgeon can focus on procedural strategy and image interpretation while the system handles mechanical manipulation. Manual steps such as initial sheath insertion may still occur conventionally, but core navigation for angiography is performed robotically. Clinical studies have confirmed the system's compatibility with standard 5F angiographic catheters and 0.035-inch guidewires.

What it means for international patients

The People's Liberation Army General Hospital operates a dedicated International Medical Center that provides coordinated services for foreign patients, including translation support, multilingual assistance where available, VIP facilities, and expedited processes for those seeking care. This development in robot-assisted cerebrovascular diagnostics at the hospital's neurosurgery department reflects ongoing adoption of advanced technologies in a major Chinese medical institution.

International patients interested in cerebrovascular evaluation or related neurosurgical services should directly contact the hospital to verify current availability, undergo medical assessment for eligibility, and confirm all requirements. Suitability depends on individual clinical circumstances, and no assumptions can be made regarding access without direct verification with the facility.

About the hospital

The People's Liberation Army General Hospital, also known as 301 Hospital or PLA General Hospital, is located in Beijing at 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District. Founded in 1953, it is a large comprehensive tertiary Grade III A hospital that functions as a major medical, teaching, and research institution affiliated with the PLA. It provides care to both military personnel and civilian patients and serves as a national referral center for complex cases.

The hospital maintains numerous national key clinical disciplines and laboratories. Its Department of Neurosurgery at the First Medical Center has expertise in cerebrovascular conditions and is equipped with advanced imaging and interventional technologies. It includes an International Medical Center specifically oriented toward foreign patients, diplomats, and overseas visitors, offering dedicated coordination services. The facility is recognized as one of China's leading hospitals with strengths across multiple specialties.