The FDA-cleared operating room technology allows surgeons to use augmented reality to see a patient’s spinal anatomy in three dimensions. That improved visual for surgeons is expected to make surgeries safer, faster and easier, according to the hospital.
“We continuously evaluate opportunities to improve the safety and quality of the care we provide to our patients,” Baylor Scott & White-Frisco CEO Trevor Castaneda said in a news release. “This addition to our orthopedic surgical suite will help the surgeons on our medical staff visualize the target of the surgery, adding an extra layer of precision to give our patients better outcomes.”
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Frisco surgeons performed the first minimally invasive spine surgery with the technology earlier this month.
The addition of the surgical guidance system is part of the hospital's continuing effort to enhance safety for patients and staff members during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
"It is important patients and their families understand how we are creating COVID-19 Safe Care environments; and it is important patients do not delay healthcare," Baylor Scott & White-Frisco Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jimmy Laferney said in the news release. "With the help of the trusted physicians on our medical staff, along with our nurses and operators, advice from national experts and by following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we have developed a plan to safely continue scheduled procedures, screenings and visits, helping those we serve avoid the unintended consequences of postponing healthcare."
Additional preventive measures implemented by the hospital include:
• COVID-19 testing of patients;
• Virtual waiting rooms;
• Virtual care options;
• Masking of patients, approved visitors and staff;
• Enhanced cleaning and touch-free protocols; and
• COVID-19 home monitoring digital care journey through the MyBSWHealth app or website.
