Allegheny Health Network will be the first in Pennsylvania to use Synaptive Medical's Modus V surgical robotic arm for cranial and spinal procedures.

"As a leader in robot-assisted surgery, AHN has enlisted a range of robotic technologies for the treatment of various disease states," Dr. Donald Whiting, chair of the AHN Neuroscience Institute, told HCB News. "For the treatment of cranial procedures, in particular, we determined Modus V to be the most advanced technology available."

The Modus V is derived from a robotic arm that the International Space Station previously used to repair satellites, position astronauts and move cargo. For medical purposes, it's equipped with a high-powered digital microscope to view patient anatomy.

The robotic arm is used along with Synaptive's BrightMatter Guide neuro-navigation system. That enables the surgeons to plan prior to surgery and view patient data and track instruments in real-time during the procedure.

"Modus V provides the most powerful optics available, including exoscopic technology for a higher depth of field," said Whiting. "Combining intelligent instruments with robotics, it offers next-generation technology for the treatment of cranial and spine conditions."

The AHN Neuroscience Institute has been nationally recognized for its treatment of brain and spine conditions, including minimally-invasive endoscopic and skull-based procedures.

Synaptive will also be collaborating with neurosurgeons at AHN to develop new products and solutions and advanced robotic neurosurgical applications for the next generation.

Operating Room Homepage