Germans Trias Hospital Launches AR Glasses in Column Surgeries
Augmented Reality Glasses Guide Surgeons in Spinal Procedures
Table of Contents
- Augmented Reality Glasses Guide Surgeons in Spinal Procedures
- Augmented reality Glasses in Spinal Surgery: A Q&A Guide
- What are augmented reality (AR) glasses, and how are they used in spinal surgery?
- What types of spinal conditions benefit from AR glasses?
- How do AR glasses improve spinal surgery?
- What specific technology is being used?
- How is the surgery planned using this technology?
- What is the impact on patient recovery?
- What is the broader initiative behind this technology?
- what other departments within the hospital benefit from this project?
- How manny spinal operations does Germans Trias Hospital perform annually?
- Why is there an increase in spinal procedures in recent years?
- What is the ultimate goal of this technology according to the hospital?
- What are the key advantages of using AR glasses in spinal surgery?
BARCELONA, Spain — Surgeons at Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital have successfully employed augmented reality (AR) glasses during spinal surgery, marking a significant advancement in the field. The technology was used in cases requiring complex degenerative column surgery, including lumbar channel narrowing, malformations, disc issues, and scoliosis.
The AR glasses, specifically the Magic Leap 2 by Brainlab, are used in conjunction with a surgical navigation system. This combination allows neurosurgeons to visualize a precise, three-dimensional model of the patient’s spine, superimposed directly onto the patient’s body. the glasses provide a view of the patient’s internal anatomy as if the surgeon could see through the skin, offering virtual information and real-time guidance during the procedure. Each surgery is meticulously planned beforehand using medical imaging.
According to Carlos Domingue, head of the Neurosurgery Service at Germans Trias, this technology enhances the safety of screw placement and improves surgical ergonomics, crucial for the precision required in these operations. “The invasion is minimal, and we injure less tissues to the patient, which consequently recovers before and better. We operate without adopting forced postures,and also with this technology in the operating room the need to use equipment that emits radiation is reduced,” Domingue said.
Germans Trias performs approximately 150 spinal operations annually, addressing a range of conditions in patients of all ages, including cervical, lumbar, tumor-related, and deformation disorders. Domingue noted that the number of procedures has increased in recent years due to the aging population. “Many patients suffer pain, it is challenging for them to walk and that limits their autonomy. These surgeries improve the quality of life of these people,” he added, expressing optimism that the use of AR glasses will become a standard practice.
Toward Predictive, Personalized Medicine
The acquisition of the augmented reality glasses is part of a broader initiative within the Catalan public health system, known as Seshat, aimed at transforming healthcare through value-based medicine. Funded by the Catalan Health Service, Seshat encompasses various subprojects focused on leveraging innovative technologies to enhance patient care.
This particular project focuses on integrating 3D imaging techniques and personalized three-dimensional models with augmented reality to improve the effectiveness and precision of surgical procedures. Launched in 2022, the project benefits several departments, including general surgery, urology, thoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery and traumatology, pneumology, maxillofacial surgery, and neurosurgery.
These efforts are supported by the Directorate of assistance Strategy and the Management Directorate through the Hospital Strategic Projects Unit, with the goal of achieving a more predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory approach to medicine, ultimately improving the patient experience.
Augmented reality Glasses in Spinal Surgery: A Q&A Guide
What are augmented reality (AR) glasses, and how are they used in spinal surgery?
Augmented reality (AR) glasses overlay digital data onto the real world, allowing surgeons to “see” through the patient’s skin during surgery. At Germans Trias i Pujol hospital in Barcelona, Spain, neurosurgeons are using the Magic Leap 2 AR glasses by Brainlab in conjunction with a surgical navigation system to visualize a 3D model of a patient’s spine directly on their body. This provides real-time guidance during complex spinal procedures.
What types of spinal conditions benefit from AR glasses?
The technology is used for complex degenerative column surgeries involving issues such as:
- Lumbar channel narrowing
- Malformations of the spine
- Disc issues
- Scoliosis
How do AR glasses improve spinal surgery?
According to Carlos Domingue,head of the Neurosurgery Service at Germans Trias,AR glasses enhance the safety of screw placement and improve surgical ergonomics. The benefits include:
- Increased precision: The 3D model superimposed on the patient’s body allows for precise guidance.
- Reduced tissue damage: Minimally invasive surgery allows for faster patient recovery.
- Improved ergonomics: Surgeons can operate without adopting awkward postures.
- Reduced radiation: Less reliance on equipment that emits radiation.
What specific technology is being used?
The surgeons at Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital are using the Magic Leap 2 AR glasses by Brainlab.
How is the surgery planned using this technology?
Each surgery is meticulously planned beforehand using medical imaging. The 3D model created from the imaging is then overlaid onto the patient’s body using the AR glasses during the procedure.
What is the impact on patient recovery?
According to Carlos Domingue, patients recover “before and better” due to the reduced invasiveness of the procedures using AR glasses. The surgery minimizes tissue damage.
What is the broader initiative behind this technology?
The use of AR glasses is part of Seshat, a broader initiative within the Catalan public health system. Seshat aims to transform healthcare using value-based medicine, leveraging innovative technologies to enhance patient care.
what other departments within the hospital benefit from this project?
Beyond neurosurgery, the project benefits several departments, including:
- General surgery
- Urology
- Thoracic surgery
- Orthopedic surgery and traumatology
- Pneumology
- Maxillofacial surgery
How manny spinal operations does Germans Trias Hospital perform annually?
Germans Trias performs approximately 150 spinal operations annually.
Why is there an increase in spinal procedures in recent years?
Carlos Domingue notes that the number of procedures has increased due to the aging population.
What is the ultimate goal of this technology according to the hospital?
The goal is achieving a more predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory approach to medicine, ultimately improving the patient experience.
What are the key advantages of using AR glasses in spinal surgery?
Here’s a summary of the key advantages:
| Advantage | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Precision | Accurate screw placement, improving surgical outcomes. |
| Minimally Invasive | Less tissue damage, leading to faster recovery times. |
| Improved Ergonomics | Surgeons can maintain comfortable postures during procedures. |
| Reduced Radiation | Decreases the need for equipment that emits radiation, benefiting both patients and medical staff. |