St. Tammany Parish Hospital added Synaptive Medical’s Modus V™ innovative robotic technology to its neuroscience program, enabling neurosurgeons at the Covington hospital to perform complex brain and spine surgery procedures, including some which may previously have been considered inoperable.
“We are excited to further elevate the neurosurgical care we provide at St. Tammany with purchase of the most powerful robotic microscope available today,” said Joan M. Coffman, STPH president and CEO. “The combination of Synaptive’s Modus V robotic technology, BrightMatter, and the renowned skill of Ochsner neurosurgeons, truly delivers on our promise of world-class healthcare, right here in Covington.”
Synaptive’s BrightMatter™ technology enables surgeons to tailor their surgical approaches for each patient at St. Tammany by using advanced algorithms that automate the processing of MRI data. The neurosurgeon uses BrightMatter™ to map the best possible approach to the tumor, attempting to avoid damaging structures responsible for critical functions such as speech, movement, vision, and memory. This functionality gives surgeons a dynamic 3D visualization of the brain that may allow for less invasive surgery and potentially safer surgical routes. For patients, less invasive procedures may lead to reduced complications and faster recovery times.
“Every condition is different, making it imperative for today’s surgeons take a customized, patient-specific approach to surgical planning,” said Sebastian Koga MD, medical director, Neuroscience Institute, and chairman, Neurosurgery Division, Ochsner North Shore Region. “But even the best surgeons in the world are only as good as the technology available to them, which is why we are excited about this investment in BrightMatter technology.”
Modus V, the newest system to be integrated at St. Tammany, is an automated robotic arm with a high-powered digital microscope that provides an unprecedented view of patient anatomy. Using the most powerful optics available on the market today and robotic technology originally developed for the International Space Station, Modus V™ allows surgeons to perform less invasive procedures with more precision. In some cranial cases, it may allow surgeries that were previously deemed inoperable.
“Synaptive’s BrightMatter works in concert with navigated surgical tools and Modus V to deliver the surgeon the best possible visualization and the most direct route to remove the tumor,” explained STPH Director of Surgical Services Nancy Ledet, RN.
For patients who are scheduled to have minimally invasive spine surgery at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, the neurosurgeon uses Modus V™ to visualize the soft tissue during decompression to ensure nerve roots are completely free from pressure. This results in very small incisions, exceptional outcomes and reduced recovery times.