Surgeon's Insight: RoboticScope in Spine Surgery
Introducing Dr. Zefferino Rossini's Latest Publication: “How I do it: Posterolateral Lumbar Spine Fixation and Decompression with Navigation Interfaced with a Robotic Exoscope with Head Mounted Display”
At BHS Technologies, we are proud to spotlight surgeons and innovative use of our technology. In this recent publication, Dr. Zefferino Rossini and his team from the IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, present how they combine advanced navigation systems with the RoboticScope.
Enhanced Precision and Ergonomics
Managing degenerative spine diseases often involves complex procedures like spinal canal decompression and fixation. Traditional methods rely on intraoperative tools like CT scans for accurate screw placement. Dr. Rossini's technique leverages the RoboticScope to redefine precision, efficiency, and ergonomics in spinal surgery.
By integrating the RoboticScope with the neuronavigation system Stealthstation S8 from Medtronic, surgeons gain a comprehensive view through the Head-Mounted Display, allowing seamless transitions between macroscopic and microscopic views.
With the RoboticScope's VideoIn function, images from the RoboticScope and the neuronavigation system are transmitted simultaneously to the Head-Mounted Display (HMD).
The Surgical Technique: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Dr. Rossini's article outlines the innovative steps involved in lumbar spine fixation and decompression:
Preparation and Positioning: The patient is positioned prone, and initial AP (anteroposterior) and LL (lateral lumbar) scans are performed using the O-arm® intraoperative CT scanner to target the lumbar segments.
Screw Placement: After the initial exposure, the neuronavigator (Stealthstation S8) assists in precise screw placement following the AOSpine recommendations. Surgeons control the navigation and visualization using the BHS Head-Mounted display, maintaining a stable and neutral posture.
Microscopic Decompression: The RoboticScope is positioned over the surgical field, allowing for microscopic decompression of the spinal canal. Surgeons control the RoboticScope’s camera through intuitive head movements, which adjusts zoom, focus, and field of view without interrupting the flow of surgery.
Interbody Fusion: Finally, cages are inserted into the disc space, followed by AP and LL X-ray checks to confirm accurate placement.
This approach allows surgeons to maintain a steady posture without losing sight of the surgical target, potentially reducing fatigue and enhancing focus during the procedure.
Benefits of Combining two Systems
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Ergonomics and Efficiency: Reduced need for neck movement enhances focus.
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Advanced Visualization: 4K video imaging and eight zoom levels provide unmatched detail.
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Reduced Surgical Time: Streamlined control and visualization can shorten surgery duration.
A Leap Forward in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
The integration of the RoboticScope with a neuronavigation system represents a leap forward in minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Rossini's work demonstrates how advanced visualization technology and ergonomic enhancements can significantly impact surgical outcomes and safety.
Read the full article to learn more about Dr. Rossini's technique and its applications in spinal surgery.
Rossini, Z., Tropeano, M.P., Gionso, M. et al. How I do it. Posterolateral lumbar spine fixation and decompression with navigation interfaced with a robotic exoscope with head mounted display. Acta Neurochir 166, 342 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-024-06233-5
