Don Park MD, of Irvine, Calif.-based UCI Health, performed the world’s first endoscopic spinal fusion using augmented reality.
Dr. Park wore an AR headset with HD endoscopic video MRI images and EMR in his field of vision, according to a June 30 news release. This allowed him to focus on the surgical field without needing multiple monitors during the biportal endoscopic lumbar fusion.
The patient was a 56-year-old man with severe lumbar spinal stenosis and unstable spondylolisthesis. His March 31 procedure lasted three hours, and he was released the same day with only mild pain at the incision sites.
“Three months later, his pain is completely gone, along with his presurgery symptoms,” Dr. Park said. “He can exercise and walk long distances again. With the ability to overlay critical information in real time, AR enhances the surgeon’s situational awareness and workflow.”
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