Achievements

Southcoast Health is first in state to use latest image guided technology for spinal implants.

Feb 6. 2019 | By Southcoast Health

St. Luke’s Hospital Brain & Spine Surgery is the first in Massachusetts to use the only non-radiation surgical imaging system available for the placement of spinal implants

The 7D Surgical Machine-vision Image Guided Surgery technology (MvIGS) for spinal procedures guides the surgeon with a highly detailed three-dimensional image taken in just four seconds. This replaces a radiographic image taken intermittently during traditional robotic surgery (fluoroscopy). The image created by the system is matched up digitally with the patient’s existing pre-operative scan to create a seamless, real time image of the patient’s anatomy.

- Schrynel D’Mello, a clinical engineer with 7D Surgical and Dr. Matthew Philips of the Spinal Surgery team at St. Luke’s Hospital get a better look at a patient’s anatomy with 7D Surgical Machine-vision Image Guided Surgery technology.
Schrynel D’Mello, a clinical engineer with 7D Surgical and Dr. Matthew Philips of the Spinal Surgery team at St. Luke’s Hospital get a better look at a patient’s anatomy with 7D Surgical Machine-vision Image Guided Surgery technology.

“As a spinal surgeon, the 7D technology provides me with more information when placing hardware in the spine, because I can see the anatomy in 3D as opposed to the 2D intraoperative images taken with standard fluoroscopy,” said Dr. Matt Philips, neurosurgeon at St. Luke’s Hospital. “The system also spares the patient and surgical team exposure to the harmful radiation that comes with radiographic imaging associated with traditional robotic approaches.”

Scans taken during standard fluoroscopic spinal surgery can take 20 minutes to an hour, prolonging exposure to radiation. The 7D Surgical system uses sophisticated camera technology, similar to self-driving cars, to create a three-dimensional photographic image in three to four seconds resulting in shorter more efficient procedures.

“The patient really benefits,” said Philips. “Because we can image the patient so much quicker we are dramatically reducing the time the patient spends in surgery.”

Southcoast Health is the first healthcare system in Massachusetts to offer this technology and the second in New England. “Offering the latest, most cutting-edge technology underlines Southcoast Health’s commitment to delivering the best care possible.” said Keith Hovan, President and CEO of Southcoast Health. “When our exceptional brain and spine team has the best technology available, we truly can offer our patients care that is second to none.”

- Southcoast Health adopts 7D Surgical technology for spinal implants and greatly reduces a patient’s exposure to radiation that is commonly associated with traditional robotic approaches.
Southcoast Health adopts 7D Surgical technology for spinal implants and greatly reduces a patient’s exposure to radiation that is commonly associated with traditional robotic approaches.

Southcoast Health’s Brain and Spine Surgery program at St. Luke’s Hospital is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center ® 2019. To learn more about Southcoast Health’s Brain and Spine services please visit www.southcoast.org/7d