Frank Vrionis, MD, and Timothy Miller, MD, completed the first robotic spine surgery at Marcus Neuroscience Institute in Boca Raton, Fla.
The neurosurgeons performed a lumbar spinal fusion on a patient in his 70s with Medtronic's Mazor X robot. Marcus Neuroscience Institute is the only facility offering the technology in Florida's Palm Beach and Broward counties, according to a March 24 news release.
"With our new sophisticated robotic system, we will be able to perform more minimally invasive procedures safely and effectively," Dr. Vrionis said. "This is particularly beneficial to our aging population, because it reduces the risk of infection and shortens hospital stays."
Medtronic recently enhanced the Mazor robot by integrating its Midas Rex high-speed drills, which are intended to improve precision, disc-prep access and navigation, the company said.
Marcus Neuroscience Institute comprises a four-neurosurgeon team led by Dr. Vrionis.