Making Difficult Intubation a Thing of the Past - With 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.

Spiro's Mission: Solving Difficult Tracheal Intubation

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.