William Hunter, MD, a neurosurgeon at The Spine Clinic at Neuroscience and Spine Center of the Carolinas, discusses transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions and how NuVasive's MAS TLIF 2, TLX, Reline and iGA platforms coupled with the NuvaMap have advanced the procedure.
Q: How has your approach to TLIF evolved since using NuVasive's TLIF technologies?
Dr. William Hunter: NuVasive’s procedurally integrated TLIF platform has allowed me to become much more efficient in my TLIF procedures. The platform allows me to confirm restoration of my patients’ lordosis intra-operatively using NuvaMap O.R. These tools have improved my patient outcomes time and time again.
Q: What is your experience using computer assisted technologies? What are the advantages for the patient and surgeon?
WH: Medical technology today is amazing and is really transforming the OR. I’ve always been eager to evaluate the latest innovation and use it to make my surgeries more predictable and improve my patient outcomes. There are many advantages to computer-assisted technologies to both patients and surgeons alike, everything from the costs savings that many technologies provide, to the reduction of surgery time and length of stay in the hospital.
Q: How has NuvaMAP OR made a difference in your practice?
WH: NuvaMap O.R. lives up to its promise of allowing me to calculate, correct, and confirm the pathology that I am treating. I am able to calculate alignment parameters with preoperative planning tools Nuvaline and NuvaMap. Intraoperatively, I can correct the anterior column, with NuVasive’s implant solutions, using real-time intraoperative assessment NuvaMap O.R. Finally, I can confirm the restoration and preservation of global sagittal alignment postoperatively. This makes my procedures more predictable and provides better treatment for my patients.
Q: Where do you see the biggest opportunity for continued growth and development of TLIF in the future?
WH: The biggest opportunity of growth for TLIF is in the technology that allows us to do the procedure in a better way. Reducing complications, reducing unnecessary surgeries and reducing recovery time are all advantages to the technologies being developed today.