Less Invasive Surgery Through Robotic System
Reduced surgery time with smaller incisions, highly accurate implant placement, and quicker recovery times are all possible, thanks to the technology at Regional West Physicians Clinic-Neurosurgery & Spine Center.
The Mazor X Stealth™ Edition Robotic Guidance System, robotic-guided technology for spine surgeries, allows Regional West neurosurgeon Omar Jimenez, MD, FAANS, to enhance the accuracy of the placement of pedicle screws – screws used to provide extra support and strength to a spinal fusion while it heals. Regional West is the only acute care surgical hospital with this state-of-the-art technology in the region.
Using navigational tools such as fluoroscopy, O-Arm® navigation, and CT scans, Dr. Jimenez downloads information to the Mazor robot to plan the trajectories of the pedicle screws, even before the patient reaches the operating room. By programming where to place the screws, Dr. Jimenez can plan incision(s) ahead of time for a less invasive procedure.
“With Stealth Navigation we have the option of planning out the procedure ahead of time,” Dr. Jimenez said. This helps the physician with decisions for what course of care is best for each patient.”
The advantage of the Mazor robot and computer software is the ability for computerized precise alignment of components, screws, and implants, for positive patient outcomes. This occurs prior to and during the procedure, where the surgical robot is aligned with the placement of components.
“The robot does exactly what I program it to do,” Dr. Jimenez said. “We make a plan that’s specific for that patient, and the robot software and the arm work as one with me in allowing us to carry out that plan safely.”
Regional West has been using the Mazor robot for spinal surgeries for almost a year, and Dr. Jimenez said he has seen the benefits it brings to his patients.
“It facilitates minimally-invasive surgery, creates shorter surgery times, shorter hospital stays, and decreases blood loss,” he said.
The Mazor X Stealth™ Edition Robotic Guidance System is just one way Regional West is bringing advanced surgical technology to its patients.
“We are a Blue Choice Spine Center of Excellence, of which there are five in the state of Nebraska,” Dr. Jimenez said. “We offer the newest, most up-to-date treatment in spine surgery, including the latest version of the robot. We work in coordination with other institutions to give our patients exceptional care. We’re a regional medical center, offering state-of-the-art surgical options and performing surgeries you might think you would have to travel to larger urban hospitals to have done.”
