A Chicago-based Rush University Medical Center neurosurgeon has become the first in the world to use a new extended-reality headset during a spine surgery procedure.
John O’Toole, MD, used the headset while performing a minimally invasive procedure to treat a patient’s degenerative spine condition. The technology projects imaging and navigation data directly into the surgeon’s field of vision, allowing critical information to be viewed without looking away from the patient, according to a June 3 news release.
The headset integrates with image-guided navigation and robotic technology already used by Rush’s neurosurgery team. The system combines real-time 2D and 3D imaging, tool tracking and hand-gesture controls into a heads-up display that enables surgeons to navigate instruments without touching screens or controls.
The technology could be particularly useful in complex spine cases, including tumors, trauma, infections and spinal deformities. Images displayed through the headset are also projected onto operating room monitors, allowing the surgical team to view the same information in real time.
The technology is designed to improve surgical efficiency and precision by placing navigation data directly within the surgeon’s line of sight, according to the release.
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