Dover, Del.-based Bayhealth Hospital Kent Campus added the 7D Flash navigation system for spine surgery, CBS affiliate WBOC reported Oct. 13.
The system uses radiation-free imaging to take photos during surgery and map out where to make an incision in a patient. This can enable smaller incisions and quicker recovery time for patients.
The hospital is using it on a case-by-case basis.
"It's more streamlined, and it's safer — specifically my first two patients with this were both 83 years old," Dawn Tartaglione, DO, medical director for Bayhealth neurosurgery, told the station. "I did a spine case to use this to help direct and keep this entire procedure smaller. And in her age group, by keeping the incision small, the healing time down, she had a much better chance at success."