TORONTO & PITTSBURGH–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Synaptive Medical Inc., a Toronto-based medical technology company, announced today that neurosurgeons at Allegheny General Hospital, part of Allegheny Health Network (AHN), will be the first in Pennsylvania to use its latest generation robotic imaging technology for cranial and spinal procedures.
Derived from a robotic arm previously used on the International Space Station to repair satellites, position astronauts, and move cargo, Synaptive’s Modus V™ surgical robotic arm with a high-powered digital microscope provides the most powerful optics available on the market today. The unprecedented views of patient anatomy enable surgeons to perform less invasive procedures with more precision.
The robotic arm is used in conjunction with Synaptive’s BrightMatter™ Guide neuro-navigation system which transforms imaging and surgical planning prior to surgery, and ensures surgical accuracy intraoperatively with real-time presentation of patient data and tracking of instruments.
“The addition of the Synaptive system at AHN further builds upon our legacy of innovation in robot-assisted surgery. We look forward to incorporating this leading-edge technology into our neurosurgery practice, potentially helping us to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients undergoing cranial and spinal surgery, including less post-operative pain, fewer complications and a quicker recovery,” said Donald Whiting, MD, Chair, AHN Neuroscience Institute.
AHN’s Neuroscience Institute is nationally recognized for its treatment of brain and spine conditions, including minimally invasive endoscopic and skull-based procedures. AHN neurosurgeons, including Khaled Aziz, MD, Terrence Julien, MD, Jody Leonardo, MD, Richard Williamson, MD, and Alexander Yu, MD, will be some of the first in the world to use Modus V.
“These physicians are on the forefront of adopting innovative technologies into their practice, and are leaders in minimally invasive neurosurgery. We are excited to have them combine that expertise with BrightMatter and Modus V as we refine our surgical offering,” said Peter Wehrly, Synaptive’s CEO.
Synaptive also will begin collaborating with the AHN neurosurgeons to leverage their clinical insights into further innovative products and solutions.
“Collaboration with our clinical partners is part of Synaptive’s DNA, and gives us valuable insight on real-world problems in the OR that need solving,” said Cameron Piron, co-founder, president and chief strategy officer at Synaptive. “We look forward to working with Drs. Aziz, Julien, Leonardo, Williamson and Yu. Their feedback and knowledge of minimally-invasive techniques will help us continue to drive innovation and improve patient care.”
About Allegheny Health Network
Allegheny Health Network, a Highmark Health company, is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving the Western Pennsylvania region. The Network is composed of eight hospitals, including its flagship academic medical center Allegheny General Hospital, Allegheny Valley Hospital, Canonsburg Hospital, Forbes Hospital, Jefferson Hospital, Saint Vincent Hospital, Westfield Memorial Hospital and West Penn Hospital; an employed physician organization, a research institute, health + wellness pavilions, home and community-based health services and a group purchasing organization. The Network employs approximately 18,000 people, and has more than 2,800 physicians on its medical staff. The Network also serves as a clinical campus for Temple University School of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
About Synaptive Medical
Synaptive Medical Inc., a Toronto-based medical device and technology company, collaborates with leading clinicians and healthcare systems to revolutionize products and services that cross traditional barriers to enable continuous improvement in care delivery in and beyond the operating room. Synaptive’s integrated BrightMatter™ solutions—including surgical planning, navigation and visualization, and an informatics platform—are designed to give clinicians the right information they need to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.