Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
DOTHAN, Ala. (AP) — One of the newest surgical aids at Flowers Hospital is known as the Stealth. But, it doesn't obscure things. It makes them much clearer.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Marcus Schmitz is using the Stealth Navigation System to aid in brain and spine surgeries. The Stealth is a $1 million investment that helps Schmitz get a real-time 3D rendering of the patient's surgical area, allowing him to place surgical instruments into sensitive parts of the brain and spine with pinpoint accuracy.
Schmitz has used the Stealth Navigation System to perform thousands of surgeries. The overwhelming majority of surgeries took place in Pensacola. However, since March of 2015 when Schmitz came to Dothan and began performing surgeries at Flowers, the Stealth system has aided in about 20 brain surgeries and 20 spine surgeries.
The process begins with pre-operative scans of the patient's surgical area. Those scans are loaded into the computer and available on a screen when the surgery begins. Then, with the help of specially calibrated tools, 3D imaging software scans the surgical area in real time. That image is superimposed on the image already available, allowing Schmitz to gain a complete high definition 3D view of the surgical area in real time. The image can be rotated and viewed in any direction so Schmitz can get an accurate view of areas that can't be seen with the naked eye. At all times, Dr. Schmitz knows where his tools are in relation to the patient's anatomy.
Schmitz said the system has plenty of advantages for the patient.
"It's less invasive, less manipulation to the patient," Schmitz said. "There is less blood loss and a shorter recovery time which means less anesthesia for the patient."
And, Schmitz said, if improves accuracy.
"We're talking sub-millimeter accuracy," Schmitz said.
The rotating real-time 3D image allows Schmitz to see the back of the spine to make sure his surgical instruments are hitting their mark.
"What is critical about it is it is happening in real time," Schmitz said.
The computer and software system costs about $500,000. Other associated equipment necessary to perform surgeries cost about $500,000 as well. And, the system can be upgraded each year, at a cost.
___
Information from: The Dothan Eagle, http://www.dothaneagle.com
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
