Written by: Kate Norman
Article source: www.bridgesforpeace.com

A neurosurgeon at a hospital in Jerusalem successfully performed a complex spinal surgery combining augmented reality (AR) and robot technology in a world first last week.

Dr. Cezar Mizrahi at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem performed the successful surgery on a 25-year-old patient who had fallen in his workplace and injured his spine, which the medical team said put him at risk for paralysis and neurological damage.

Mizrahi decided to combine robotics with AR—an interactive experience that allows the user to view real-world imagery overlaid with computer-generated imagery and information, usually using glasses, a smartphone or other device.

Mizrahi used an AR headset which allowed him to perform the surgery while also being able to view the patient’s CT images and other vital information as well as a lineup he had planned to place surgical screws along the patient’s spine.

The surgical robotic arm provides real-time, 3D guidance for the surgeon to precisely insert surgical screws throughout the spine, using information from scans taken before the surgery. This, combined with the AR technology, provides the surgeon with a view as if that person is inside the robot and can view from its perspective, the Times of Israel reported.

This technique is designed to keep the surgery as noninvasive and as accurate and efficient as possible.

“Bringing together AR and robotics in this minimally invasive technique had never been performed in surgery anywhere in the world,” Mizrahi said after the surgery, as quoted by J-Wire.

The neurosurgeon added that the technology made his life “very easy,” helping him with positioning, planning and trajectory, as well as making the surgery more effective. Mizrahi also said he believes that in about 10 years it will be standard to use the combination of AR and robotics in complex surgeries.

“To our great joy, this combination of those new innovations was to the direct benefit of this patient and the overall healthcare improvement for the people of Jerusalem and beyond,” Mizrahi added, as quoted by All Israel News.

The surgery only took a few hours, the Times of Israel reported, and the patient was released from the hospital five days after the surgery.

“Before the surgery, we were very worried and didn’t know what would be, but it was performed quickly and successfully,” the patient said, as quoted by All Israel News, “and I’ve recovered faster than expected.

“I can walk now,” the patient added. “Dr. Mizrahi regularly comes to check on me and from the bottom of my heart, I’m just so grateful.”

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Date published: 13/09/2023
Feature image: Lt. Col. Stacey Koff demonstrates how to use the DaVinci robot-assisted surgical machines (illustrative). Photo Credit: Fort Belvoir Community Hospital/flickr.com

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