Advanced Imaging in the OR Benefits Spine Surgery Patients

With advancements in intra-operative imaging, spine surgery-especially the most clinically challenging cases-is literally taking on a whole new dimension.

Here at the Neurologic & Orthopedic Institute, spine surgeons are the first in Chicago and one of only 50 sites in the country using the Iso-C3D-an innovative intraoperative imaging device from Siemens-coupled with the latest "Stealth" navigational system from Medtronic Sofamor Danek. This technology is a powerful new OR tool that allows Institute surgeons to see the operative field in real time in all dimensions. It offers new possibilities to more than 900,000 people in the U.S. who have spine surgeries each year.

The technology allows the surgeon to view the operative field in "real time" from any and all perspectives, and to use this information to safely navigate in and around the spine. A computer is connected to an infrared camera in the corner of the room. Like a car's GPS navigation system, the camera tracks the position of the patient's spine and the surgeon's instruments. The precise position of the instrument in reference to the patient's spine is represented on the computer's display. The surgeon uses these additional cues to "guide" the surgery. Patient's have more options and the surgery is more precise, which results in less chance of injury. It also minimizes the patient's exposure to radiation.

To schedule an appointment with neurosurgeon trained to implant the artificial disc, call 773.250.0000