Augusta Health Improves Spine Surgery Precision with Mazor™ Robotic Guidance System

FISHERSVILLE, Virginia— Patients needing spine surgery at Augusta Health now have access to advanced robotic technology that enhances accuracy and safety. Augusta Health has added the Mazor™ Robotic Guidance System, which surgeons James Chadduck, MD, and Clark Bernard, MD, use to plan and perform spine surgeries with greater precision. 

The Mazor™ system uses computer software and robotic guidance to provide a 3D view of a patient’s spine before surgery. This allows surgeons to even more carefully plan where and how implants will be placed. Each plan is based on the patient’s unique anatomy and is created before the patient enters the operating room. During surgery, the system tracks surgical instruments in real time to guide them to the planned location. A robotic arm supports the surgeon by accurately positioning instruments and implants. This technology can be used for both minimally invasive and open spine surgeries. 

This week, Augusta Health announced it had completed its 15th surgery using the Mazor™ robotic guidance system. Augusta Health began using robotic-guided spine surgery in November, with the first procedure performed on November 14. “With the Mazor™ system, another layer of safety and accuracy may help to provide even better outcomes,” said Clark Bernard, MD, Augusta Health Spine Surgeon.

According to Crystal Farmer, MBA, MSN, RN, FACHE, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Augusta Health, “Dr. Bernard and Dr. Chadduck’s dedication and expertise were essential to Augusta Health’s adoption of robotic-guided spine surgery. Because of his efforts, patients in our region now have access to advanced spine care without having to travel far. This technology strengthens our ability to care for our community right here at home.”

The Mazor™ Robotic Guidance System was developed by Medtronic, Inc., a global leader in medical technology. First introduced in 2019, the system helps spine surgeons plan surgeries before they begin and then follow that plan in the operating room using navigation and robotic guidance to place implants accurately.

For more information about the Mazor™ Robotic Guidance System, please visit:
https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/healthcare-professionals/products/spinal-orthopaedic/spine-robotics/mazor-x-stealth-edition.html