First Robot-Guided Spine Surgery in Mid-Atlantic Region Is Performed

RESTON, VA –(Marketwire – July 13, 2012) – Dr. Thomas C. Schuler and Dr. Christopher R. Good, Spinal Specialists at the Virginia Spine Institute, performed the first robot-guided spine surgery procedure in the Mid-Atlantic Region at HCA Reston Hospital Center. This advancement that these leaders in modern spinal health care pioneered provides surgical candidates with less exposure to radiation, smaller incisions which yield a faster recovery, and increased surgical accuracy resulting in less risk for revisions or nerve damage.
Mazor Robotics’ Renaissance™, manufactured by Mazor Robotics Ltd., is one of the only robotic guidance products in the United States used for implantable devices during spine surgery. The experts at the Virginia Spine Institute will continue to utilize this new technique to perform minimally invasive spine surgeries and complex spinal reconstructive surgeries. All of the spinal specialists at the Virginia Spine Institute are trained in the use of the Renaissance™ Robotic system and are double board certified in their chosen specialty of orthopaedic surgery or neurosurgery, as well as spinal surgery. 
The era of modern spinal surgery only began over the past 15 to 20 years. Prior to the early 1990s, the instrumentation that was available to treat spinal conditions was mainly first and second generation equipment. Now, with the assistance of this state-of-the-art technology, spinal specialists can optimize their expertise while minimizing the trauma to the body, preserving maximum function, and accelerate a patient’s return to his/her life.
“This monumental advancement will reshape the future of spine surgery. It is rewarding to be able to elevate the level of safety for patients while helping them recover faster and return to full active lifestyles again,” comments Dr. Thomas C. Schuler.
“Robot-assisted surgery represents a major technological breakthrough for patients. My experience with robotic surgery began six years ago and it is very exciting to see the progress that has been made. Robot-assisted surgery helps make surgery safer and I am proud to be able to offer this revolutionary technology to my patients,” comments Dr. Christopher R. Good.