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Timothy O’Connor, M.D., director of minimally invasive and robotic spine surgery at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Bethesda Hospital West in Boca Raton, Fla., on Feb. 10 performed the first next-generation augmented reality (AR) spinal surgery in the state.

“While performing this procedure, we can see the patient’s anatomy in high definition, with their imaging superimposed directly in our field of vision to allow real-time guidance when wearing the AR headset during surgery,” . In an AR spinal surgery, a three-dimensional, computer-generated virtual model of the patient’s spine is overlaid onto their actual anatomy. The AR headset allows surgeons to guide instrument placement and assists in surgical navigation, all while keeping their eyes on the patient. Even 3D stereoscopic displays of surgical instruments are superimposed on the surgical field, which offers the benefit of improved hand-eye coordination.

AR surgery not only allows for more accuracy during the surgery, but the less-invasive approach also leads to less surgical time and less cutting of tissue, which minimizes both pain and recovery time for the patient.

“The future of spine surgery is here,” O’Connor said. “It’s a testament to our commitment at Baptist Health to lead the way and improve the lives of those we serve.”