Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango, Colo., has installed 7D Surgical's Flash navigation system for spine surgery, The Journal reports.
The system uses visible light to create a 3D image for surgical navigation, eliminating patient and staff exposure to intraoperative radiation, according to the company. It was approved for neurologic surgery in 2016, but has since expanded to spine surgery.
Flash provides real-time 3D imaging that shows surgeons where to place pedicle screws and determine the trajectory, length and size of screws, Doug Orndorff, MD, of Durango-based Spine Colorado, told the publication. "It does it in real time and without radiation."
The Flash system costs $500,000, compared to other navigation systems on the market that run up to $1.2 million, according to the report.
Dr. Orndorff said Flash offers the most benefit to surgeons during complex spine cases in patients with difficult anatomies.