Novel Surgical Robot Streamlines Implant Placement

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 06 Feb 2018

A robotic surgical trajectory guidance and navigation platform integrates intra-operative computerized tomography (CT) and fluoroscopic imaging technologies.

Image: The ExcelsiusGPS robotic navigation platform (Photo courtesy of Globus Medical).

The Globus Medical (Audubon, PA, USA) Excelsius GPS robotic surgical platform is designed to support minimally invasive and open orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures, including screw placement applications for spinal surgery. The system includes a computer controlled robotic arm, hardware, and proprietary software to enable real time surgical navigation and robotic guidance using the patients radiological images, including preoperative computerized tomography (CT), intraoperative CT, and fluoroscopy, using a dynamic reference base and positioning camera.

The navigation and guidance system determines the registration or mapping between the virtual patient and the physical patient; once the registration is created, the software displays the relative position of a tracked instrument, including the end effector of the robotic arm, on the patient images, helping to guide planning and approach. The information of the plan, coupled with the registration, provides the necessary information for visual assistance during free hand navigation or during automatic robotic alignment of the end effector.

During surgery, Excelsius GPS tracks the position of system compatible instruments, including the end effector of the robotic arm, continuously updating the instrument position on patient images utilizing optical tracking. The system software controls all motion control functions, navigation functions, data storage, network connectivity, user management, case management, and safety functions. The system uses proprietary re-usable registration instruments, patient reference instruments, surgical instruments, and end effectors such as awls, drills, drivers, taps, and probes.

“Excelsius GPS is another example of continued innovation from Globus Medical, utilizing feedback from expert surgeons from different specialties,” said Norbert Johnson, vice president of robotics, imaging, & navigation at Globus Medical. “Our goal with the Excelsius GPS System is to improve the continuum of care for patients, surgeons, and hospitals through the application of robotic and navigation technology in the fields of spine, trauma, and cranial surgery.”