Artedrone’s SASHA Robot Shows Autonomous Stroke Clot Removal in Preclinical Studies
Artedrone, a medical technology company backed by Truffle Capital, has announced promising preclinical results for its innovative SASHA micro-robot—an autonomous device designed to perform mechanical thrombectomy procedures for patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke. These results, drawn from both in vitro and in vivo studies, highlight the robot’s potential to carry out the delicate procedure of clot removal entirely autonomously. The findings are currently being prepared for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Strokes remain a major global health concern, ranking as the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide. Acute ischemic strokes—caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain—affect over 11.5 million people globally each year, according to the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology. Rapid intervention is crucial: mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure in which a blood clot is physically removed from a cerebral artery, can triple the chances of recovery if performed within a six-hour window. However, access to this life-saving technique remains limited, primarily due to a shortage of specialized stroke treatment centers.
“Stroke represents a significant health risk across the globe, yet access to critical procedures like thrombectomy is still far too restricted,” said Liane Teplitsky, Chief Executive Officer of Artedrone. “These preclinical results mark a critical step forward in our mission to revolutionize stroke care by developing a breakthrough technology that could make advanced treatments more accessible.”
The SASHA micro-robot (Self Autonomous System for High-precision Access), developed by Artedrone, is a magnetically guided device capable of navigating through the vascular system and autonomously removing clots responsible for ischemic strokes. One of the robot’s key strengths lies in its potential to be deployed in facilities that are not traditionally equipped to handle complex neurovascular procedures. While mechanical thrombectomy is typically carried out in specialized neuro-interventional centers, cardiology and radiology departments—more widespread and better staffed globally—could become new access points for treatment with the help of this technology.
To assess SASHA’s capabilities, a comprehensive series of preclinical trials was conducted. The micro-robot was evaluated in various environments, including human cerebrovascular systems in vitro, and both in vitro and in vivo porcine brain models. These settings allowed researchers to test SASHA’s ability to autonomously navigate intricate vascular structures, identify clots, and successfully perform mechanical thrombectomies.
The studies measured vascular perfusion before and after the procedure to confirm the restoration of blood flow. Of particular importance was the final preclinical phase, during which SASHA successfully removed both biological and native clots in an in vivo porcine model that closely replicates human cerebral anatomy. This milestone demonstrates the robot’s real-world potential to perform life-saving interventions.
“Mechanical thrombectomy is by far the most effective treatment for severe ischemic stroke,” said Professor Frédéric Clarençon, head of the Interventional Neuroradiology Department at Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris and principal investigator of the study. “Unfortunately, the procedure remains underused because it requires highly specialized expertise and equipment. Millions of patients worldwide are left without access. We are greatly encouraged by these early results and look forward to further studies that will help bring this technology to the bedside.”
By advancing the development of SASHA, Artedrone aims to bridge the accessibility gap that currently limits stroke treatment. The ability to perform thrombectomy procedures autonomously—without needing the constant supervision of a highly specialized neurointerventionalist—could dramatically expand the reach of this life-saving technique. The company envisions a future where stroke patients can receive timely and effective intervention in a broader range of hospitals, including regional or rural facilities.
About Artedrone
Artedrone is a medtech company founded by venture capital firm Truffle Capital. The company is focused on developing SASHA, an autonomous micro-robot engineered to perform mechanical thrombectomies in patients with ischemic stroke. Artedrone’s mission is to democratize access to advanced stroke care by creating technology that enables more clinicians in more locations to offer state-of-the-art treatment. Through innovation and collaboration, Artedrone seeks to transform the landscape of stroke therapy and improve patient outcomes on a global scale.
