In the last two weeks, the operating rooms at Backus and Windham hospitals have tapped exclusive new technology to help patients needing spinal surgery.
Backus became the first hospital in eastern Connecticut to use the Globus ExcelsiusGPS™ — a new, sophisticated surgical guidance system for spine procedures, on Jan. 18, and Windham became the second on Jan. 22. The advanced technology was introduced in New England last month at the Hospital of Central Connecticut.
The ExcelsiusGPS brings an even greater level of precision to surgeons performing spine surgery and the patients they serve.
The robotic-assisted navigation system used by surgeons during a procedure, in real time, is designed specifically to make surgery safer and help surgeons ensure a more precise placement of implants and hardware. The technology also facilitates minimally-invasive spine procedures, which normally involve more radiation exposure. These type of procedures are often linked to less blood loss, less muscle damage, and a faster recovery.
“This technology allows for a more precise and safer placement of surgical devices into the spine, which reduces the risk of injury to nerves, blood vessels and other vital structures,” said Michael Halperin, MD, who performed the first procedure on the ExcelsiusGPS at Backus. “This is accurate to a sub-millimeter in a space where there’s only several millimeters of room to work.”
At Windham, Daniel George, MD, and Alan Waitze, MD, performed the first procedure.
“It’s all about providing the best possible care for the patient. The Globus Excelsius robot has revolutionary technology that allows us to place spinal implants with the greatest degree of accuracy during surgery,” Dr. George said. “It is exciting to know that we have this unbelievable resource available at Windham Hospital to assist us in providing the highest level of care for our patients when they need spinal surgery.”
The introduction of the technology is the latest step taken in the East Region to ensure that patients can receive advanced specialty care closer to home.
“We are committed to providing the highest quality of care for our patients, and believe that technology is a true partner in care. It helps our talented experts improve outcomes, enhance quality and deliver an exceptional experience for our patients,” said Donna Handley, president of the East Region.