Philips has introduced ClarifEye Augmented Reality Surgical Navigation, an industry-first solution to advance minimally-invasive spine procedures in the Hybrid Operating Room.
By combining superb 2D and 3D visualizations at low X-ray dose with 3D augmented reality (AR), the unique solution provides live intra-operative visual feed- back to support accurate placement of pedicle screws during spinal fusion procedures.
Four high-resolution optical cameras are used to augment the surgical field with 3D cone-beam CT imaging, without the need for additional X-ray. The system combines the view of the surgical field with the internal 3D view of the patient to construct a
3D augmented-reality view of the patient’s external and internal anatomy. Consistent tracking of the patient is ensured by video tracking of non-invasive markers placed on the skin. The system then visualizes the tip of the ClarifEye Needle as it is navigated along the planned path in the spine.
The solution is fully integrated into the Philips Azurion image-guided therapy platform, supporting efficient workflow with intra-procedural navigation and verification for accurate screw placement and reducing the need for post-operative CT scans.
By taking a minimally invasive approach to spine surgery, patients can benefit from reduced postoperative pain, shortened hospital stays, reduced blood loss, and minimized soft tissue damage and scar tissue. In addition, the intra-operative image guidance provided by solutions such as ClarifEye increases clinical accuracy, with patients subject to fewer revision surgeries compared to the current standard of care.
“In spine surgery, when you change your approach to a minimally invasive one, you also have to change the way you operate because you need another way to see inside the spine,” said Dr Pietro Scarone, Neurosurgeon at Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale in Lugano, Switzerland. “With ClarifEye, the technology adapts to the needs of the surgeon, rather than the surgeon adapting to the requirements of the technology.”
• For information, see this YouTube video. https://youtu.be/TwZGT1KGvq4
