Making Difficult Intubation a Thing of the Past - With Dimitri Sokolov, CEO of Spiro Robotics
Take a look at the inner workings of Distalmotion with CEO Greg Roche and your host, Henry Norton, in this fascinating episode! Greg shared the importance of the company’s value proposition in taking Dexter, their surgical robot, to a global market. They also touched on the evolution of surgical robotics, both in technical terms and its increasing adoption in new generations of surgeons. Tune in to discover more about innovation in smaller surgical robotics players.
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Making Difficult Intubation a Thing of the Past
Dimitri Sokolov, CEO of Spiro Robotics
Revolutionizing Airway Management: How Spiro Is Changing the Game with Robotic Intubation
In this episode of "The Crux of MedTech," we speak with Dimitri, CEO of Spiro, a groundbreaking medical robotics startup redefining how clinicians approach tracheal intubation.
From Big Medtech to Startup CEO: Dimitri's Journey
Dimitri’s path into medtech began with a passion for engineering, leading him to study biomedical engineering and work for industry giants like Johnson & Johnson and Stryker. After gaining hands-on experience in R&D, regulatory processes, and device development, he transitioned into the startup world through Potrero Medical. His tenure there sharpened his leadership skills and deepened his understanding of medtech innovation.
Tracheal intubation is a common, yet often risky, procedure performed over 30 million times annually in the U.S. alone. Of those, roughly 20% are classified as difficult, potentially leading to severe complications, including brain damage or death.
Spiro’s innovation? A robotic system that combines a video laryngoscope with a robotic bronchoscope, allowing for precise, rapid intubation—even in complex cases.
How It Works: Robotic Intubation in Under 30 Seconds
Spiro’s device drastically shortens the intubation learning curve. With dual cameras and joystick navigation, clinicians can visualize and guide the endotracheal tube with precision. The system reduces reliance on clinician skill in difficult airway cases and provides real-time troubleshooting—essential for saving lives during critical moments.
Clinical Validation and User Feedback
Spiro recently completed a successful first-in-human study in Lithuania, targeting high-risk, complex cases. The result? A 100% intubation success rate. Clinicians who've trialed the system are calling it “the future of intubation.” Some even jokingly ask if it will replace them.
The Road to FDA Clearance and Commercialization
With a 510(k) FDA submission planned for September, Spiro is preparing to enter the U.S. market. The company is actively building relationships with hospitals and clinicians to ensure a smooth post-market launch. Their recently secured $1.8 million U.S. Air Force grant will support further clinical studies, especially testing their AI-driven auto-intubation feature.
Looking Ahead: Spiro’s Vision for Medtech Robotics
Dimitri sees Spiro as more than an intubation solution—it's the beginning of a new era in handheld medical robotics. With potential applications in bronchoscopy and laryngeal surgery, Spiro is positioning itself as a pioneer in affordable, task-specific robotic tools for healthcare.
“When a loved one needs to be intubated, I want it to be with our device. That’s how confident I am in what we’re building.” — Dimitri, CEO of Spiro
Final Thoughts
Spiro is not just innovating airway management—they’re reshaping how we think about accessibility, precision, and safety in medical procedures. As they move toward FDA clearance and wider adoption, Spiro is a medtech startup to watch.
