Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust has become the first in the NHS to deliver Robotic Assisted Spinal Surgery (RASS) utilising technology that is transforming the operating theatre.
Last week, following a complex spinal procedure to correct scoliosis in a teenage girl, the hospital utilised technology from Medtronic Ltd, the manufacturer of the MXSE.
The Mazor X Stealth Edition (MXSE) is the latest generation of robotic guidance platforms that assist surgeons with sophisticated real-time 3D imaging, advanced anatomy recognition and enhanced navigation that will increase patient safety and surgical precision.
Mr Sean Molloy, Consultant Spinal Surgeon at the RNOH, said: “The MXSE affords us an unprecedented level of accuracy during spinal surgery. A surgical plan can be meticulously designed prior to the patient entering the operating theatre (just like one might enter a postcode into a satellite navigation system to plan a specific route).”
“Once surgery is underway the robotic arm will assist our surgeons to guide precise placement of the spinal implants according to the pre-operative plan. Spinal surgery has well recognised neurological risks and by utilising the MXSE we will be able to perform safer surgery on our patients.”
The technology can be used for both open and minimally invasive procedures and is seen as an extension of the surgeon’s skills.
Rob Hurd, Chief Executive of the RNOH, said “For decades the RNOH has been at the forefront of orthopaedic medicine in the UK and now, with the MXSE, it is maintaining that position as a centre for innovation. The RNOH is the first NHS Trust to deliver complex spinal surgery using this technology, a major step-change in how surgery will be carried out in the coming years not just here at the RNOH, but across the NHS.”
Dr Lila Dinner, RNOH Medical Director, said “We are proud to be at the forefront of introducing innovative technology into the NHS for the benefit of some of our most complex patients. This is a marvellous example of the values we all share to ensure the NHS continues to provide world-class care for all”.
