Frank Cammisa, MD, completed the first augmented reality-assisted spine surgery at New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery.
Dr. Cammisa completed a spinal decompression and fusion on a 28-year-old man using AR, HSS said in a Dec. 7 news release. His case was also the first AR-guided spine surgery in New York state.
"The technology allows us to visualize the patient's 3D spinal anatomy during surgery to accurately guide instruments and place surgical implants, such as pedicle screws," Dr. Cammisa said in the release. "Improved control and visualization of the patient's anatomy and critical structures can lead to a more precise, efficient surgery and can enhance safety."
Researchers at HSS will be collecting data to evaluate AR spine surgery compared to other technologies.