New Augmented Reality Technology Gives Surgeons “X-ray Vision” for Added Precision, Efficiency While Keeping Eyes on the Patient:
11/10/2022
Dupont Hospital is the first in the region to offer spine surgery using the system
A new, innovative augmented reality guidance system at Dupont Hospital will allow surgeons providing minimally invasive spine surgeries to “see through” a patient’s anatomy like they have X-ray vision.
The device is the first augmented reality guidance system to be used in surgery and is currently approved for use in open and minimally invasive spine implant procedures. Similar to a real-time global positioning system, this “see-through” surgery lets surgeons know exactly where to place implants in a patient’s unique anatomy, bringing a new standard of personalization and care to the operating room.
“The ‘X-ray vision’ the device provides allows us to simplify complex spine surgeries, making them safer and more effective for patients and enabling us to handle difficult cases in an efficient, minimally invasive way,” said Dr. William Aaron Kunkle, an orthopedic surgeon performing minimally invasive spine surgeries at Dupont.
Dupont is the only hospital in northeast Indiana and one of only three in the state using the technology, which is unique from other image guidance systems because surgeons maintain focus directly on the patient rather than on a distant screen displaying the patient’s anatomy.
The augmented reality guidance system consists of a transparent near-eye-display headset and all elements of a traditional surgical navigation system. It accurately determines the position of surgical tools in real-time and superimposes them on the patient's CT scan. The navigation data is then projected onto the surgeon’s retina using the headset, allowing him or her to simultaneously look at both the patient and the navigation data. The technology is designed to revolutionize how surgery is done by giving the surgeon better control and visualization, which may lead to easier, faster and safer surgeries.
“This technology is definitely an added value for spine surgeries," said Dr. Nicholas Wetjen, a general and pediatric neurosurgeon also performing spine surgeries at Dupont. "It improves upon the traditional guidance systems with impressive precision and a design that doesn't disrupt the surgery workflow."
About eight out of 10 people will experience debilitating back pain during their lifetime. For some people, medication and lifestyle changes won’t be enough to help relieve the pain and surgery is the only option.
"Our investment in this technology helps ensure we are offering our patients the best experience and outcomes possible," said Mark Dooley, Dupont Hospital CEO.
Visit theduponthospital.com/spine-surgery-services for more information about spine surgery services offered at Dupont Hospital.
Back