The system is intended for precise placement of pedicle screws during spinal fusion procedures
Philips introduces ClarifEye Augmented Reality Surgical Navigation. (Credit: Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
Global health technology firm Royal Philips has rolled out ClarifEye Augmented Reality Surgical Navigation system to assist minimally-invasive spine procedures in a hybrid operating room.
ClarifEye is designed to combine superior 2D and 3D visualisations at low X-ray dose with 3D augmented reality (AR), to provide live intra-operative visual feedback.
The navigation system is intended for precise placement of pedicle screws during spinal fusion procedures.
Spinal fusion procedures involve permanently attaching two or more vertebrae, to achieve improved stability, correct a deformity, or reduce pain.
Philips image guided therapy systems general manager Ronald Tabaksblat said: “Through co-creation with our clinical partners we’ve developed an innovative integrated solution that has the potential to improve outcomes and reduce costs for minimally invasive spine procedures.
“With ClarifEye we are delivering on our strategy of expanding minimally invasive surgery into new clinical areas. The solution is built on the Philips next-generation Azurion image-guided therapy platform, enabling an unmatched level of integration and an intuitive experience for clinicians.”
As spine conditions impact quality of life and well-being, and severe cases may disable patients from walking or even moving from their beds, the treatment is complex and delicate.
Minimally-invasive approach to spine surgery enables patients to benefit from the reduced postoperative pain, hospital stays, blood loss, and minimised soft tissue damage and scar tissue.
ClarifEye offers intra-operative image guidance
Philips said that the intra-operative image guidance provided by its ClarifEye solution would increase the clinical accuracy, and subject patients to reduced revision surgeries compared to the current standard of care.
The company has integrated the new solution into its Azurion image-guided therapy platform, for intra-procedural navigation and verification for accurate screw placement and eliminate post-operative CT scans.
Furthermore, ClarifEye Augmented Reality Surgical Navigation has been granted the CE mark approval, with the US FDA 510(k) approval pending.