The Medtronic Stealth Autoguide™ robot is transforming the landscape of neurosurgery at Hoag, delivering unprecedented precision and innovation. This state-of-the-art tool has significantly advanced minimally invasive neurosurgery since its arrival in 2021, enabling shorter recovery times—including same-day discharge after brain surgery—reduced risks, and better patient outcomes compared to traditional surgery. Thanks to the generosity of the Thompson Family Foundation, whose philanthropic gift funded the acquisition of the robot, Hoag has taken a significant leap forward in the field of neurosurgery and patient care.

Vivek Mehta, MD, a leading neurosurgeon at the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute at Hoag, has spearheaded the implementation of this technology. In a study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery by Dr. Mehta, the Medtronic Stealth Autoguide™ robot demonstrated exceptional accuracy, achieving a 100% success rate in seizure localization, biopsy diagnostics, and laser ablation placement, revolutionizing neurosurgical procedures at Hoag.

“Thanks to the Thompson’s gift,” said Dr. Mehta, “we’ve treated over 200 patients with minimally invasive neurosurgery using the robot. Procedures that used to require inpatient surgery are now done on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to go home the same day. This has truly revolutionized our approach to advanced neurosurgery.”

One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is its wide-reaching impact. Hoag was one of only three sites invited to participate in the prestigious SLATE trial for laser ablation in epilepsy, alongside Stanford and UCLA. This clinical trial has raised our profile in the field of epilepsy research but also underscored our commitment to leading-edge medical innovation and has opened the door to other opportunities.  

Beyond its technical achievements, the robot has also served as a powerful educational tool. Dr. Mehta has hosted six visiting surgeons from both academic and private practices, sharing his expertise and expanding the impact of this technology. In a reversal of the typical dynamic where doctors from private hospitals visit academic hospitals to learn, these surgeons came to Hoag, emphasizing the groundbreaking nature of our program. Dr. Mehta’s international training sessions in China, Taiwan, Japan, Colombia, and Canada further highlight our hospital’s influence on a global scale. 

Hoag is proud to share these achievements with the community and grateful for the generosity and talent that makes them possible. Visionary philanthropic support from donors like Bill and Nancy Thompson is improving patient outcomes and contributing to the global advancement of neurosurgical care.

“The injection of donor support allows us to do so much more, faster,” said Dr. Mehta, speaking on the incredible impact of the Thompson’s gift. “There is a halo effect of those gifts and a compounding effect with this technology. The impact is tenfold in what it allows us to do—to bring immediate therapies to patients.” 

Vivek Mehta, MD

​Read More Stories