Marlton, N.J.-based Virtua Health has added GPS-guided robotic spine surgery, becoming the first provider in the Philadelphia and South Jersey region to offer the technology, according to a Jan. 21 NBC Philadelphia report.
Virtua uses Stryker’s Mako Spine robotic platform in combination with Spine Guidance software, which allows surgeons to set “safe zones” during procedures. The software is designed to minimize the risk of damaging surrounding structures by blocking surgical tools from entering certain areas.
The software enables safer and more efficient decompression of compressed nerves. Robotic-assisted spine procedures remain limited nationwide, and Virtua is among the first health systems in the country to adopt the Spine Guidance technology, according to the report.
Virtua said its experience with other robotic-assisted orthopedic surgeries positioned the system to integrate the new platform quickly. The technology is expected to enhance precision, reduce tissue disruption and accelerate recovery for spine surgery patients.
