The first ExcelsiusGPS robotic spine surgery system in the Middle East was launched Aug. 17 at Burjeel Medical Hospital in Abu Dhabi, Gulf News reports.
The robot, approved for use in Europe and the U.S., is awaiting licensing from local health authorities.
Dr. Amr El Shawarbi, the hospital's neurosciences medical director, has scheduled more than 40 patients for spinal fusions with the robot.
"Degenerative spine disorders are growing, and we see patients in their 30s who need implants to stabilize their spines," Dr. El Shawarbi said at a news conference, according to Gulf News. "This robot will help us improve the precision of the implant placement while also reducing patient discovery and recovery time."
Developed by Globus Medical, ExcelsiusGPS combines a robotic arm with navigation to improve accuracy in the placement of screws and reduce radiation exposure for the surgical team.
More than 20,000 patients have been treated with the robot worldwide.