Robot-assisted surgical technology introduced at Abrazo West Campus in Goodyear has been used to perform more than 100 complex spinal fusion procedures.

The milestone was reached in early 2022, and more procedures continue into the new year.

According to Dr. Kenneth Hood, who has performed more than 120 procedures with this technology at Abrazo West, the Globus ExcelsiusGPS robotic platform creates a roadmap of the patient’s anatomy for accuracy and efficiency in the placement of implants during minimally invasive and open spine surgery.

“A typical candidate would be someone requiring a fusion operation who is living with severe back and radiating leg pain that has failed non-operative treatment and is seeking improved quality of life with less pain. This technology can also be applied to spine trauma and spine tumor surgery,” said Hood.

On the day of the surgery,  images of the spine are merged with a CT scan of the spine. After this merge, the surgeon has an accurate roadmap of the patient’s anatomy and uses it to precisely plan the placement and size of implants, he explained. 

The robotic arm guides the surgeon to exact coordinates for implant placement. The implant is placed through a rigid tube attached to the robotic arm. The surgeon is still performing the operation, which requires extensive training and skills. The robot is a guide.

“Abrazo West Campus continues to invest in and bolster our advanced spine surgical program through partnering with high-quality physicians and acquiring advanced technology such as minimally invasive surgical robotics,” said Abrazo West Campus CEO Hans Dreissnack.