ORION

Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) are severe vascular blockages that cause more than 100,000 deaths and around 6 million non-fatal complications annually worldwide. The ORION project will deliver the first CE-marking-ready robotic system specifically designed to safely and effectively cross CTOs.
Current treatments involve manually pushing stiff guidewires through calcified vessels, which often leads to perforations and failed procedures. ORION replaces this method with a compact bedside robotic system that magnetically navigates the tip of a flexible microcatheter along an AI-generated 3D path. This path is created from pre-acquired CT scans and merged in real time with live X-ray images to provide continuous visual guidance.
Preclinical data suggest a potential 90% reduction in perforations, a halving of procedure time to a maximum of 2.5 hours, and a decrease in radiation exposure (fluoroscopy) from several hours to a maximum of four minutes, making the procedure significantly safer for physicians and patients.
The Dutch–German consortium will raise the system’s Technology Readiness Level from TRL 5 to TRL 7 within 36 months, including validation in 20 large-scale preclinical CTO models and preparation of a complete CE-compliant technical file (ISO 13485). The project will create approximately 5.5 sustainable high-tech FTEs, strengthen three SMEs, and establish a lasting innovation ecosystem for robotic surgery in the cross-border region. Results will be disseminated through three public events, at least 30 digital outreach activities, and clear visibility for Interreg VI A.