Dr. Jazini Performs World’s First Laminectomy With Augmented Reality

BREAKING NEWS–On November 4, 2020, Dr. Jazini performed the world’s first laminectomy utilizing augmented reality technology. This is an incredible sign for the future of minimally invasive spine surgeries and shows the fast-growing need for augmented reality.

This surgical procedure, also known as decompression, creates space and enlarges the spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. The use of augmented reality in a laminectomy makes the surgery even less invasive, which means a shorter recovery time and less pain in the healing process. The AR “Xvision”system, made by Augmedics, makes it possible for surgeons to visualize a patient’s 3D spinal anatomy during surgery – almost like they have ‘x-ray vision.’ This groundbreaking new technology is the first application of augmented reality in a laminectomy surgery in the world, and has the potential to streamline and partner several technologies in the operating room, giving surgeons better control and making procedures easier, safer, faster and less invasive. The surgery was performed at Reston Hospital Center (HCA Virginia Health System).

The technology utilizes all elements of a traditional navigation system, including a special headset the surgeon wears during the procedure. The navigation system projects the patient’s CT images into the surgeon’s headset, making it possible for him to see high-resolution 3D pictures inside the bones of the patient’s spine superimposed over the patient’s actual anatomy in real time. The goggle headset also accurately determines the position of surgical tools and superimposes them on the patient’s vital data, so the doctor never has to take his eyes off the patient.

Learn how augmented reality is complimenting the surgeon’s technique to make surgeries safer and less invasive for patients by scheduling a consultation with Virginia Spine Institute.