Stereotaxis Invited by Africa Heart Rhythm Association to Present its Innovative Robotic Solution to Expand High-Quality Therapy in Underserved Regions of Africa

ST. LOUIS, May 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stereotaxis (NYSE: STXS), a pioneer and global leader in surgical robotics for minimally invasive endovascular intervention, today announced that it has been invited to present at HRS Africa Summit 2024, scheduled to take place during Heart Rhythm Society Scientific Sessions this week in Boston, Massachusetts.

Stereotaxis will present an innovative proposal leveraging advanced robotic technology and telerobotic presence to sustainably offer high-quality cardiac ablation therapy in underserved regions of Africa. Africa is the second most populous and fastest growing continent, and yet has a nearly non-existent infrastructure of electrophysiology (EP) labs to provide cardiac ablation therapy. Cardiac ablation is a common minimally invasive procedure to treat arrhythmias – abnormal heart rhythms that result when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular pattern. When left untreated, arrhythmias may significantly increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest. Eighty percent of African countries do not have a single functional EP labⁱ.

Stereotaxis’ robotic technology has been extensively demonstrated as effective for cardiac ablation, offering unparalleled levels of precision and safety during the procedure. Its proprietary connectivity software enables the robots to be operated remotely by a physician thousands of miles away. The latest innovation in the Stereotaxis robotic system allows it to be installed and maintained on a standard semi-trailer truck. The concept to be presented at HRS Africa Summit envisions a mobile robotic EP lab traveling between regions in Africa with concentrated patient demand and lack of access to cardiac ablation therapy. Using standard satellite internet connectivity, the mobile robotic EP lab would connect expert electrophysiology physicians practicing remotely from around the world with local patients and medical staff. A detailed assessment of such a solution has been prepared, confirming the technology, logistics and operations are viable.

“This is a highly exciting and creative approach to leverage advanced technology in a way that is not only viable, but also cost effective and scalable,” said Dr. Felix Sogade, Cardiac Electrophysiologist and Vice President of Africa Heart Rhythm Association. “It offers the most high-tech and high-quality care to underserved African arrhythmia patients from a pool of talented global Electrophysiologists who can share their expertise without the challenges of travel and access.”