John Keller, MD, neurosurgery section chief at Metro Health-University of Michigan Health in Wyoming, Mich., performed his first augmented reality-assisted spine surgery in September, Grand Rapids Business Journal reports.
The health system recently acquired Augmedics' xvision spine augmented reality system, which costs $179,000. Three Metro Health surgeons are trained in the technology.
The device has been labelled "a game changer" by many surgeons, enabling users to visualize patients' anatomies in real-time during surgery and accurately place implants without having to look away from the operative table.
Interest in AR has become increasingly popular among spine surgeons who are looking for new ways to limit complications related to instrumented spine surgery and improve surgical efficiency.
Augmedics, a Chicago-based startup, received FDA clearance for xvision in December, and is researching future applications for the system.