Robotically assisted percutaneous coronary intervention: benefits to the patient and the cardiologist.

Robotic percutaneous interventional systems represent the future of interventional cardiology. Robotic technology significantly reduces operator exposure to ionizing radiation, and improves ergonomics in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, thereby preventing orthopedic injuries. It may enable more accurate stent implantation and reduce the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy. Robotics has the potential of converting the current 'high-risk' catheterization laboratory into a safe, physician- and patient-friendly environment.