Carondelet Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tucson recently acquired new GPS-guided surgical robot technology to help surgeons perform complex spinal fusion surgeries.

The computer-guided, robot-assisted platform is the first of its kind in Tucson.

“Robotic guidance is an assistant for the surgeon,” said Dr. Matthew Wilson, a surgeon at CNI. “The robotic arm aligns tools along a planned pathway to place screw implants to stabilize the spine. Navigation is a way for the surgeon to see the tools in relation to a patient’s body on a screen as the tools are being used.”

According to CNI, the system acts “like a car’s GPS navigation system” by following an individualized map based on images of the patient’s anatomy imported into the computerized robot, guiding the robotic arm to specific areas of the spine.

All this helps the surgeon calculate the accurate size and placement of screws and implants during spine surgery.

“Much like a GPS in your car, the surgeon plans the route to place screw implants in the spine and the robotic system helps aligns that pathway to accurately place the screws,” Wilson said. “The surgical tools and implant are visible on the GPS screen throughout the entire procedure.”

CNI is in Arizona investing in state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgery equipment.

“Minimally invasive surgery combines a surgeon’s understanding of anatomy with x-ray imaging to treat spine conditions using small incisions,” allowing the surgeon to separate the muscles surrounding the spine rather than cut through them, according to CNI.

The GPS-guided system at CNI is approved to place in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.

Common procedure options that may involve pedicle screw placement include:

• Posterior Fusion
• Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
• Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion
• Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
• Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Carondelet Neurological Institute, part of the Carondelet Health Network, is located at St. Joseph’s Hospital at 350 N. Wilmot Road in Tucson.

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Surgeons at a hospital in the Northwest Valley have officially completed 5,000 robot-assisted surgical procedures.

The achievement represents a significant milestone for Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, which is known for its surgical programs. More than 1,000 of the procedures were completed in 2019.

Doctors who perform minimally invasive surgery use a variety of techniques to operate with less damage to a patient’s body than in typical open surgery.

Robotic surgery takes this process a step further, as computer guidance and magnified, three-dimensional views of the surgical site allow surgeons to operate with improved precision, flexibility and control.

“Continual innovations in minimally invasive surgery have made robot-assisted procedures an option for patients with a wide range of conditions,” said Jeff Patterson, CEO at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus.

He said the pace of such procedures using robot-assisted technology continues to increase.

“The daVinci is often used for gynecology, urology, cancer, hernia repair and other procedures,” Patterson said, referring to the robotic equipment Abrazo uses.

The daVinci uses laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery technique, to perform surgery through a series of small incisions, tubes and tiny cameras and instruments — all with the goal of creating a quicker, less painful recovery for patients.

“Robotic surgery is the biggest advancement in surgical care in the last two decades,” said Dr. Dennis Scribner, a gynecologic oncology surgeon at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus. “The technology provides the ability for us to perform procedures that have traditionally been done through large incision and now completed with incisions that are less than an inch. This has clearly improved patient care and their quality of life.”

Scriber said Abrazo Arrowhead Campus’s state-of-the-art robotic surgical platforms allow him and his team to offer “excellent care.”

The campus also offers education and training opportunities for surgeons from other hospitals, so they can learn robotic-assisted surgery techniques first-hand.

The hospital is home to Abrazo Health’s General Surgery Residency Program, bringing new surgeons to Glendale who work closely with local physicians  for real-world learning.

“I’m so pleased with the Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, which has supported all of the surgeons in reaching this milestone,” said Dr. Debora Fox-McClary, colorectal surgeon. “The OR staff, nurses and technicians worked nonstop to make this possible, and along with the floor nurses and ancillary staff, have made the Abrazo Arrowhead robotics program the best in the region.”

Robotic surgical technology at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus includes:

• daVinci Surgical System, a robotic surgical system “designed to facilitate complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach” and controlled by a surgeon from a console. Three are in service at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus.
• Navio Surgical System, a robotics-assisted platform that “uses CT-free technology for accurate implant sizing and positioning without the need for rods.” It can be used for partial or total knee replacements.

“Our surgical programs offer a collaborative clinical environment and a focus [on] patient advocacy,” Patterson said. “We are committed to providing quality care and a safe environment for each of our patients.”

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