Q&A: The robotic system reaching the smallest targets in the body

Med-Tech Innovation News caught up with Chen Levin, the CEO of XACT Robotics, who tells us more about how its iPad sized system can reach small targets in the human body. 

First of all, what is the XACT ACE Robotic System?

XACT ACE is a hands-free robotic system designed to improve accuracy in reaching targets in CT-guided percutaneous procedures including ablations, biopsies and targeted drug delivery, with high levels of safety, predictability and accuracy. Weighing less than four pounds, the robot is placed on a patient to help a radiologist perform a percutaneous procedure without having to manually guide the insertion of the instrument, typically a needle, to reach a target in the body. Prior to using the robot, a radiologist identifies the target, selects an entry point on the patient’s body and plans the trajectory of the instrument using the XACT software application. This allows the process to be “hands-free” as the robot steers the instrument to reach an internal target in the body. If the target moves during the procedure – something that often happens when an instrument is inserted or when a patient moves or breathes – the robot’s non-linear steering capabilities enable reaching the target at its new location according to an updated trajectory. 

How does it make a radiologist’s job easier? And how does it work?

XACT ACE helps radiologists in a variety of ways. XACT ACE is helping to meet the increased demand for percutaneous procedures and provide a more efficient experience for interventional radiologists. The system is designed to be administered by a range of radiology practitioners including mid-level team members, as well as physicians’ assistants and fellows, helping to improve the efficiency of patient care and interventional radiology procedures. The compact size and portability of the robot also mean it can be used in multiple clinical locations within a practice without the need to build a specialized, dedicated operating space. In addition to improving the efficiency of procedures, based on results from more than 200 clinical and pre-clinical studies, the robot is able to reach targets in the body with <1.7mm average accuracy. This makes it possible to execute percutaneous procedures with a very high level of success on the first insertion, which, in turn, can help reduce strain on radiologists by making it unnecessary for them to stand over a patient or reinsert an instrument multiple times. This also helps lead to more accurate and predictable procedure times. The system is also designed with remote-control capabilities that may provide medical teams with a higher level of protection against exposure to pathogens. 

Give us some insight into the technology that powers it?

The XACT ACE Robotic System has two main components the robot and the console. The console is used to help plan a procedure, control the steering of the instrument and monitor the instrument’s advancement. The robot is placed on a patient’s body and steers the instrument to reach a target in the body using 5 degrees-of-freedom. The steering is based on a highly advanced proprietary algorithm that keeps the instrument on the planned trajectory. The console and the robot work together to help a radiologist plan and execute a procedure without having to manually adjust the instrument. After determining the optimal route to the target, the radiologist uses a foot pedal attached to the console that causes the robot to advance the instrument.

The technology that powers the XACT ACE also helps support the system’s non-linear steering capability. During percutaneous procedures, a target in the body will often move due to soft tissue movement or when a patient moves or breathes. With a manual insertion, when a target moves it is often necessary to repeat the insertion or even the procedure, increasing risk for both the patient and the healthcare providers. Using the XACT system’s advanced non-linear steering capability, if the target moves, the radiologist can use the XACT software application to update the trajectory, enabling the instrument to reach the target at its new location. 

What about the physical device itself? What is it made of?

The XACT ACE system is made from high quality materials sourced from suppliers around the world to make sure that each uniquely engineered element in the system functions, is structurally sound and supports the highest levels of performance. The robot and the console are made from plastic and metal. 

Is this something just for drug delivery or can it be used in other medtech related fields too?

Currently, the XACT ACE system is designed for use in CT-guided percutaneous procedures including ablations, biopsies and targeted drug delivery, and so far, the robotic system has been used clinically in the liver, kidneys, retroperitoneal lymph nodes and general tissue targets in the abdomen. 

Anything else you’d like to add?

Demand for percutaneous procedures is growing as they are typically less invasive and have lower complication rates, shorter recovery times, better outcomes and lower costs compared to more invasive surgical options for biopsy, ablation and targeted drug delivery. Conventional manual methods to perform percutaneous procedures can also contribute to unpredictable procedure times. XACT ACE is helping to meet the growing demand for percutaneous procedures and reduce some of the risks that are associated with more invasive surgical options. Percutaneous methods are preferred by many patients and physicians and XACT ACE helps to make it possible not only to perform more procedures, but to perform them with high level of accuracy, efficiency and consistency that delivers desired results every time.