At the start of the New Year, St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport became the first acute care hospital in Connecticut to use the 7D Surgical FLASH Navigation System, a radiation-free tool for the placement of spinal implants that virtually replaces standard X-ray imagery for safer, more efficient procedures.
It’s like a GPS for back surgery – helping surgeons pinpoint exactly where to focus, decreasing time in the operating room, and reducing recovery times.
“At St. Vincent’s Medical Center, we are committed to continuously making technological strides to deliver higher quality outcomes and experiences for our patients and physicians,” said Hartford Healthcare St. Vincent’s Medical Center President Vince DiBattista. “This investment further highlights that commitment to providing our community with outstanding health care.”
Using sophisticated camera technology that’s similar to the latest self-driving cars, the 7D Surgical Machine-vision Image Guided Surgery technology (MvIGS) for spinal procedures guides surgeons with a highly detailed three-dimensional image taken in just three to four seconds. The 3D image replaces time-consuming conventional X-rays that are taken intermittently during traditional robotic surgery, prolonging exposure to radiation. The computer generated image is matched up digitally with the patient’s existing pre-operative scan to create a seamless, real time image of the patient’s anatomy.
“We’re excited to be the first acute care hospital in Connecticut to have the new 7D Surgical navigation system,” said Dr. Gerard Girasole, Director, Orthopaedic Spine Surgery; Co-Medical Director, Orthopaedics, Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute. “7D allows us to see three dimensional anatomy assisting us in placement of spinal instrumentation. This is all done without radiation to the patient, the doctors or the hospital staff. The clarity is equal to any robotic or CAT scan navigating systems. It is truly groundbreaking technology that will only improve the future of spinal surgery,” he added.
7D Surgical FLASH can be used in any posterior procedure where fusion or screw placement is necessary. It’s intended to help the surgeon position neurosurgical instruments.
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