Mazor Robotics, an Israeli company, has developed compact robots to perform spinal surgery that minimizes complication risks and pain in patients.
The SpineAssist robot is a compact robotic arm integrated with a workstation unit that enables surgeons in mapping out the spinal anatomy of a patient beforehand.
The SpineAssist robots from the company are used in numerous countries including South Korea, Israel, Russia, Germany, and the US. The robotic system consists of special software and a clamping fixation device for controlling the robot. Currently, the SpineAssist systems are the only robots designed for spinal surgery.
The robotics package is deployed in critical spinal deformities and scoliosis. However, the application of robotics in spinal surgery is a new field of science. Therefore, hospitals will need to conduct training sessions for surgeons.
The Chief Executive Officer at Mazor Robotics, Ori Hadomi stated that the robot prevents surgeons from creating deep incisions during the spine repair. Hadomi added that by utilizing the SpineAssist, spinal implants have been inserted in 2,000 diverse surgeries. Moreover, there have been no reports of nerve damage noticed in these surgeries, Mazor remarked.
Source: http://www.mazorrobotics.com/