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Motion · S6M-19661 · 11 Nov 2025

Dundee and US-based Stroke Surgeons Perform World's First Thrombectomy Using a Robot

Lodged by Joe FitzPatrick Standard Motion 25 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament congratulates neurosurgeons from the University of Dundee and Jacksonville, Florida, for performing the world’s first thrombectomy procedure using robots; understands that a thrombectomy is a procedure to treat stroke patients by surgically removing a blood clot from the brain; notes that Professor Iris Grunwald, who is based at Ninewells Hospital, used a robot to perform the procedure remotely on a human cadaver located at the University of Dundee; recognises that this was followed up by Ricardo Hanel, a neurosurgeon based in Florida, performing the first transatlantic surgery on a cadaver in Dundee from his location in Jacksonville; agrees with the Stroke Association that this is a “remarkable innovation” in stroke treatment, and could potentially help address challenges in delivering thrombectomies such as workforce capacity and geographical access; believes that, presently, thrombectomies are performed at three hubs in Scotland and that there is currently an inequity of access to this vital procedure for stroke patients depending on when and where they have strokes; commends the work of the researchers involved in the procedure, and encourages the Scottish Government to do everything possible to expand thrombectomy to a 24/7 national service, in line with the 2023 Stroke Improvement Plan.

Supporters (25)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.