Surgical Robotics and Stroke

Abstract: The future of healthcare is poised for a transformative shift.   Driven by the evolution of surgical robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and an interconnected ecosystem, health practitioners will be empowered to make procedures more precise, predictable, and personalized.  This presentation explores emerging technologies in surgery that augment a surgeon’s hands (robotics), eyes (medical imaging), and brain (AI-driven ecosystems).  In robotics, endoluminal approaches and telesurgery are revolutionizing minimally invasive techniques and expanding access to care globally.  Advanced visualization using patient specific models and new imaging modalities are enhancing surgical navigation and giving practitioners the ability to see the unseen.   AI and data-driven platforms are increasing precision, optimizing clinical workflows, and reducing complications.  As we continue to push the boundaries of MedTech innovation, the growing synergy between these technologies will make procedures more safe, more efficient, and more accessible – ultimately redefining surgical standards.

Bill Peine, PhD
Vice President, Research and Technology, Surgical
Founder & Lead, Robotic Technology Development Center
Medtronic

Bio:  Bill Peine leads the Robotic Technology Development Center at Medtronic, where he brings together experts from around the globe to accelerate innovation and enterprise-wide robotic strategies. He also serves as the Vice President of Research and Technology for the Surgical Operating Unit, fusing cutting-edge robotic-assisted technology and AI with groundbreaking surgical devices. Both roles enable him to deliver on his passion – leading innovation across multi-disciplinary teams to develop breakthrough technologies and products that deliver better outcomes and improve people’s lives.

Since he joined Medtronic more than 10 years ago, Bill has driven the development of the Hugo TM Robotic Assisted Surgery system for soft-tissue, to deliver the benefits of minimally invasive surgery – fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and a faster return to everyday life.

Additionally, he has been inducted into the Bakken Society, the highest technical honor at Medtronic. The Society recognizes technical employees for their contributions to the company and to the healthcare technology industry.

Peine’s first foray into robotics was at Harvard University where he earned his Doctorate in Engineering Sciences. After completing his PhD, he worked at several start-up medical device companies, some fueled by his own doctoral research and one that was purchased by Medtronic. He was a tenure track professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University – where he had also completed his BS in Electrical Engineering several years prior. While teaching at Purdue, he focused on researching novel surgical robotic technology and algorithms for image-guided surgery.

Throughout his career, he has authored of over 100 patents and peer reviewed publications.

Kaustubh Patil
Program Director
Robotics & Navigation Technology Development Center
Medtronic

Bio: Kaustubh “KP” Patil is a Program Director at the Enabling Technologies Technology Development Center (ET TDC) within the Cranial and Spinal Technologies (CST) operating unit at Medtronic. His responsibilities include identifying and managing internal collaboration opportunities for improving how various Medtronic therapies are delivered in a minimally invasive fashion using advanced technologies such as positional tracking, navigation, visualization and procedural guidance. Prior to this role, he was a Core Team Leader and R&D Site leader in Medtronic’s Renal Care Solutions (RCS) operating unit where he had program and site leadership responsibilities for development of innovative dialysis solutions for patients with chronic kidney disease. KP began his career in the Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) operating unit as an electrical engineer designing integrated circuits for sensors, pacemakers and implantable loop recorders. He has over 10 published patents and received awards such as Technical Contributor of the Year and Star of Excellence at Medtronic. He has an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and MS from the University of Minnesota, and resides in Plymouth, MN.

Abstract: When it comes to stroke, time is everything. Every passing minute without intervention means the loss of nearly two million neurons, a staggering cost that can translate to irreversible damage in motor function, speech, or cognition. This urgency is why robotic systems for vascular intervention are gaining so much attention. They offer the potential for remote operation, increased precision, and faster response times, especially in settings where specialized clinicians aren't immediately available.

Two systems in particular have shaped the research landscape around robotic stroke intervention: the CorPath GRX, developed by Corindus, and the Magellan Robotic System from Hansen Medical. While both are designed for navigating complex vascular paths, they take very different mechanical and operational approaches to the problem.

This talk looks closely at both of these robots through the lens of their original patents. We’ll explore not just what they do, but how they do it - how their end effectors articulate, how they handle compatibility with existing surgical tools, and how their control interfaces support real time decision making by human operators.

Keara Berlin, BA
Master's Student, Robotics
University of Minnesota

AI/Data Science Engineer II
Medtronic

Bio: Keara Berlin is an AI Data Science Engineer at Medtronic whose work centers on deep learning algorithms for implantable medical devices. She received her B.A. in Computer Science from Macalester College in 2021 and is pursuing a Master's in Robotics at the University of Minnesota with a focus on perception and medical technology applications.

Ronak Narkhede, BS
Graduate Student, Robotics
University of Minnesota

Bio: I am a graduate student in Robotics at the University of Minnesota, with a background in Mechatronics Engineering. My research interests lie in robotic manipulation, with a particular focus on serial manipulators and medical robotics. I am currently a member of the CHOICE Robotics Lab, where I work on autonomous manipulation tasks.

Andrew Grande, MD, FAANS, FAHA, FACS              
Professor 
Department of Neurosurgery, Neurology, Radiology
Neurosurgery Residency Associate Program Director
Co-Director of the Earl Grande Stroke and Stem Cell Lab
Director of the Zarling Neuroanatomy, Neurotechnology Lab

Department of Neurosurgery
University of Minnesota School of Medicine

Timothy M. Kowalewski
Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Minnesota