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Reston, VA, June 26, 2023 – Virginia Spine Institute (VSI), a renowned global leader in spine care, has achieved a remarkable milestone by pioneering the use of augmented reality (AR) technology in conjunction with custom, 3D-printed implants for spinal fusion surgery. Spearheaded by internationally-recognized Spine Surgeon Dr. Ehsan Jazini, this innovative approach represents a giant leap toward reducing surgical time, improving fusion rates, and minimizing complications in spinal fusion procedures. VSI’s commitment to progress and personalized care continues to revolutionize spine surgery outcomes for patients with neck and back conditions.

Utilizing cutting-edge augmented reality technology and custom 3D printing, Virginia Spine Institute embarked on this revolutionary journey to redefine the traditional spinal fusion surgery experience and improve outcomes for patients. During the procedure, Dr. Jazini skillfully utilized a combination of minimally invasive techniques, advanced technology, and customization to restore the patient’s lumbar spine at two levels.

Commenting on this groundbreaking approach, Dr. Jazini stated, “The customized design aspect of this procedure enhances surgical precision by avoiding ‘off-the-shelf’ options. Operating with advanced AR technology combined with custom fusion implants not only reduces surgery time, but also significantly improves overall outcomes and accelerates recovery, supporting a faster healing process for my patients.”

The patient who underwent this groundbreaking procedure was suffering from debilitating radiating pain down his leg and buttocks due to lumbar spondylolisthesis, lumbar stenosis with neurogenic claudication, and lumbar disc disease with radiculopathy. Dr. Jazini’s tailored solution expertly stabilized the patient’s spine, effectively alleviating his pain and enabling him to reclaim an active lifestyle, including running, weightlifting, jumping, and climbing.

About Augmented Reality (AR):

Cutting-edge technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) provide spine surgeons with heightened precision, enhanced control, and improved visualization during surgery. AR operates by superimposing computer-generated images onto the surgeon’s field of view, offering detailed insights into the patient’s anatomy in real-time. This advanced, x-ray-like vision enables surgeons to precisely position surgical implants with smaller incisions, ensuring an ultra-minimally invasive procedure. By harnessing this innovation, surgical accuracy is significantly improved, leading to reduced operating time and increased overall safety for the patient.

About 3D Printing Technology:

Drawing inspiration from industries like aerospace and automobile, which use 3D printing technology to fabricate custom parts, the field of spine surgery is progressively incorporating this transformative approach to revolutionize spine surgery. The success of this customized spinal fusion surgery was achieved in collaboration with Carlsmed®’s aprevo, a pioneering medical technology company. Carlsmed® employs proprietary algorithms and precise spinal imaging to create an entirely personalized surgical implant tailored to each patient.

The creation of a personalized implant begins with detailed imaging of the patient’s spine. A CT scan and X-Ray imaging are sent securely to Carlsmed®. Proprietary algorithms are then used to generate a personalized surgical plan and aprevo® implant designs. Once the plan is approved by the surgeon, the titanium aprevo® implants are 3D printed, sterile packaged, and delivered to the hospital in advance of the surgery.

This remarkable surgical achievement marks a momentous leap forward in global spine surgery, aiming to offer patients the personalized care they truly deserve for the future. Virginia Spine Institute remains at the forefront of medical advancements, embracing state-of-the-art technologies to reshape the landscape of spine care worldwide.

Dr. Ehsan Jazini is a board certified spine surgeon at Virginia Spine Institute. He has been the first in the nation, and in the world, to perform advanced surgical techniques in cervical disc replacement, augmented reality (AR) spine surgery, and robotic spine surgery. Dr. Jazini was the first in the world to perform Augmented Reality guided personalized spine implant surgery using artificial intelligence. As a leading published author in the field of spine surgery, Dr. Jazini was selected as the Editor in Chief of The Spine Health Journal for the National Spine Health Foundation. Learn more about Dr. Jazini.

Virginia Spine Institute’s reputation is unmatched as a world-renowned luxury destination in spinal healthcare, dedicated to providing an elevated level of concierge care for those suffering from neck and back conditions. For three decades, their proven methods have led them to dramatically improving the quality of life for over 100,000 patients, from 32 countries.

People seek care from Virginia Spine Institute because of their elite team of board-certified spine-specialized physicians offering unique approaches to safe and effective back and neck pain relief. As one of the few centers that begin treatment with non-surgical options before recommending surgery, 90% of their patients get better without spine surgery. Through a comprehensive model, Virginia Spine Institute is able to offer regenerative medicine, non-operative treatments, minimally-invasive spine surgery, and physical therapy through their team of spine specialists.

The team’s dedication to detail and patient success is a shining light in the field of spinal healthcare. As pioneers and leaders in this field, they have also accomplished many of the world’s firsts in spine surgery by using modern treatments and cutting-edge technology not offered anywhere else.

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Reviewed by: Dr. Ehsan Jazini, MD.

Reviewed by: Dr. Ehsan Jazini, MD.

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