Stanley Hoang, MD, performed the first robot-assisted single position prone lumbar fusion surgery in Louisiana, ABC affiliate KTBS reported April 5.
Dr. Hoang, of Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport (La.), used Medtronic's Mazor robot for the procedure. The single prone position allows the procedure without having to turn the patient over during surgery.
Dr. Hoang likened the robot to a car GPS. Mazor helps improve precision with screw placement and can reduce surgery time.