The world of spine surgery has been forever changed by the advancements of medical technology. And now thanks to these technological advancements, Thomas Mazahery, MD, a spine surgeon at OrthoViriginia’s Reston location, can use augmented reality guidance to have “x-ray vision” during his spinal procedures.
Dr. Mazahery is the first physician in Northern Virginia performing thoracic and lumbar posterior fusions with a pioneering technology: the Augmedics xvision Spine System.
The Augmedics xvision Spine System is an augmented reality guidance for spine surgery that allows surgeons to see a perfectly replicated 3D model of a patient’s specific spine during implant surgery. With the ability to “see-through” his patients during surgery, Dr. Mazahery can now provide an even faster and more personalized operating experience.
How does the Augmedics xvision Spine System work?
“The spine is a very intricate network of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and discs that allows us to stand upright and perform complicated movements,” explains Dr. Mazahery. “The Augmedics xvision Spine System is similar to a GPS navigation. It provides a window into the body to visualize each individual’s unique anatomy and spinal pathology. It’s an entirely new standard of personalized care in the operating room.”
The Augmedics xvision Spine System consists of a transparent near-eye-display headset that is worn by your surgeon. The data from a CT scan of your spine forms a 3D model of your specific spinal complex. Navigation data is projected onto your surgeon’s retina via the headset, allowing them to see through your skin and tissue as if they have “x-ray vision.”
What does the Augmedics xvision Spine System mean for patients?
Unlike other imaging guidance systems, your surgeon can focus directly on you the entire time instead of looking at a distant screen thanks to the transparent headset. Dr. Mazahery states, “This technology is revolutionary for how surgery is performed. It offers more control and visualization, which leads to easier, more efficient, and safer procedures.”
To see if you are a candidate for thoracic or posterior lumbar fusions using the Augmedics xvision Spine System, please contact us to make an appointment with Dr. Mazahery.