As hospitals around the world look for new and innovative ways to improve surgical outcomes and patient safety, Mercy Regional Medical Center has taken a leap into the future with the installation of a non-radiation surgical imaging system for spinal procedures. Mercy Regional Medical Center is the first in the Four Corners to install this system that virtually replaces standard fluoroscopy, providing the surgical team with a fast, accurate and radiation-free system for the placement of spinal implants.
“We are so grateful to be able to offer this advanced technology to our patients,” said Stephanie Clements, Mercy Regional Medical Center’s Chief Nursing Officer. “Mercy is well-known for superiority in spine surgery and introducing the non-radiation surgical imaging system into our operating room allows our team to provide a new level of efficiency and excellence.”
The non-radiation surgical imaging system enables spine surgeons to guide their instruments to the critical anatomy using sophisticated camera technology linked to a computer in the operating theater. The underlying technology is similar to what is used in the latest self-driving automobiles. Unlike time-consuming conventional image guided surgery (IGS) systems that depend on intraoperative radiation, this new platform can achieve an incredibly fast surgical workflow for spine procedures, reducing operative time for patients.
“This technology is truly revolutionary,” explained Dr. Douglas Orndorff, board-certified spine surgeon. “I am extremely excited to bring this innovated technology to the Four Corners area and to our patients.”
“This will allow for a more accurate placement of screws throughout the spine and pelvis, while providing additional safety using guided imagery,” Dr. Orndorff added. “This allows for minimally invasive surgery options, decreased operative time and most importantly decreases radiation exposure for the patient and operative team.”
Please join us in celebrating the addition of this innovative advancement that supports our mission of providing expert, compassionate, whole person care.
