Hyderabad-based Apollo Hospitals, recently launched an extremely powerful solution in stroke care called the RP-7 Remote Presence Robot, a mobile robotic platform that enables the physician to be remotely present, monitor and guide treatment. This state-of-the art solution enables access to scarce expertise of neuro specialists in the country and is the first and the only FDA-cleared remote presence device.

The launch of this technology was announced by Dr Prathap C Reddy, chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group and Sangita Reddy, executive director on the occasion of World Stroke Day, at Apollo Hospitals. It is the first time such technology is being made available in the country, which will enable real-time quality care to stroke patients even in remote areas.

RP-7 leverage's state-of-the-art wireless, internet and robotics technology which enables a physician to ‘e-reach’ immediately to the patient’s bedside in a remote location to render care. Through the integration of key technologies, the Remote Presence Robotic System removes time and distance barriers and effectively extends the physician's reach to manage patient care.

RP-7 allows direct connection to medical devices such as electronic stethoscopes, ultrasound to seamlessly transmit medical data to the remote physician. Under the direct control of a remote physician seated at a ControlStation, the RP-7 can move un-tethered allowing the physician to freely interact with patient, family members; observe patient’s behaviour, check bedside monitors and ventilator settings and pass on treatment instruction to doctors, nurses etc. from anywhere, any time.

The RP system can improve the quality of care and patient safety by allowing the physician expert to be more available at the time of need. Using Remote Presence doctors can aid in time sensitive treatment decisions for emergencies such as stroke care.

“Over the 28 years we have been striving to create access to quality healthcare for every individual in the country. Access becomes more critical in situations like stroke, where every minute makes a difference. The stroke robot which we are launching today will help us in reducing the response times for stroke victims. Earlier, better and more efficient care during the golden hour reduces morbidity and mortality in stroke and we believe that this technology will make a significant difference for stroke victims in the country” said Dr Prathap C Reddy.

In India over a million people die due to a stroke and it ranks second in the world in the number of deaths caused by stroke annually. Timely treatment can save many lives and decrease the amount of brain damage from stroke. Treatment for ischemic stroke (a stroke caused by a clot in a blood vessel) is effective only when given within 4.5 hours of the onset of stroke. Hence, getting the patient to the hospital and diagnosing the cause of the stroke within this time frame is critical.