John Wilson, MD, is vice chair of the department of neurosurgery and executive director of the neuroscience service line at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Here, Dr. Wilson shares his insight on what spine device has dramatically impacted OR efficiency in his practice.
Question: What spine device has dramatically improved OR efficiency in your practice?
Dr. John Wilson: The minimally invasive tubular retractor system has transformed most spinal surgery. The surgical approach is accomplished quickly with minimal tissue disruption. Hemostasis is easily obtained, and closure is literally one to two minutes.
In the circumstance of incidental durotomy, cerebrospinal fluid leak is virtually unheard of. As experience with this minimally invasive technique has increased, the types of cases that can be done have expanded beyond decompressive procedures to include fusions, intra and extra dural tumors, and at any level in the spine.