The Stuttgart Clinic relies on robotic imaging and precise navigation for complex spine surgeries. The innovative system increases patient safety and minimizes complications.
SWMN
11/14/2024 – 12:00 a.m
The Stuttgart Clinic uses robotic imaging with a navigated robot arm for difficult spine operations, further improving patient safety.
In complex spine surgeries, the use of imaging technology during surgery can minimize the risk of complications and optimize surgical outcomes. The Stuttgart Clinic is therefore using an intraoperative cone-beam CT from Brainlab as a new surgical technique. The so-called Loop-X enables high-precision navigation, operation planning and instrument guidance in spinal surgery through robotic imaging in conjunction with a robotic holding arm.
Surgery of the spine: highest precision possible
Professor Dr. Oliver Ganslandt, Medical Director of the Neurosurgical Clinic at the Stuttgart Clinic explains: “The new robotic imaging system can independently create intraoperative cross-sectional images of the region to be operated on and transmit them to the navigation system. Using a robotic arm, instruments can be guided to defined regions with the highest precision. This allows, for example, the exact positioning of pedicle screws in the spine, which is why the system is also used in trauma surgery. This allows us to achieve the highest level of precision in our interventions.”
Professor Dr. Christian Knop, medical director of the sports clinic, trauma surgery and orthopedics at the Stuttgart Clinic also uses the system and adds: “By precisely visualizing the anatomy, injuries to nerves, blood vessels or the spinal cord can be avoided during surgery.”
Spine Center: Best possible patient care
Comprehensive scanning of large areas of the body is also possible. This means that up to eleven vertebral bodies can be imaged at the same time. Since the position of the implants and screws can be checked during the operation, fewer corrective operations are necessary.
At the Stuttgart Clinic, patients with spinal problems are treated in the interdisciplinary spine center. With the participation of neurosurgery as well as orthopedics and trauma surgery, the experts decide together on the best possible care for the patients. The new system will be used at the Stuttgart Clinic in particular for complex spine operations. This includes the correction of spinal curvatures (scoliosis or kyphosis).
In the case of traumatic injuries or fractures of the spine, especially in the area of the cervical or thoracic spine, as well as in cases of instability of the spine, precise image information is crucial in order to safely carry out stabilization using screws or plates. The innovative system was financed through an application under the Hospital Future Act.
Info: Further information about treatment and contact details can be found on the website Stuttgart Hospital.
