Robotic Microscope Elevates Neurosciences
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 23, 2019
Robotic Microscope and Expert Neurosurgeons
Turn Inoperable to Operable at St. Tammany Parish Hospital
COVINGTON – St. Tammany Parish Hospital added Synaptive Medical’s Modus V™ innovative robotic technology to its neuroscience program, enabling neurosurgeons at the Covington hospital to perform complex brain and spine surgery procedures, including some which may previously have been considered inoperable.
“We are excited to further elevate the neurosurgical care we provide at St. Tammany with purchase of the most powerful robotic microscope available today,” said Joan M. Coffman, STPH President and CEO. “The combination of Synaptive’s Modus V robotic technology, BrightMatter, and the renowned skill of Ochsner neurosurgeons, truly delivers on our promise of world-class healthcare, right here in Covington.”
Synaptive’s BrightMatter™ technology enables surgeons to tailor their surgical approaches for each patient at
St. Tammany by using advanced algorithms that automate the processing of MRI data. The neurosurgeon uses BrightMatter™ to map the best possible approach to the tumor, attempting to avoid damaging structures responsible for critical functions such as speech, movement, vision and memory. This functionality gives surgeons a dynamic 3D visualization of the brain that may allow for less invasive surgery and potentially safer surgical routes. For patients, less invasive procedures may lead to reduced complications and faster recovery times.
“Every condition is different, making it imperative for today’s surgeons take a customized, patient-specific approach to surgical planning,” said Sebastian Koga MD, medical director, Neuroscience Institute, and chairman, Neurosurgery Division, Ochsner North Shore Region. “But even the best surgeons in the world are only as good as the technology available to them, which is why we are excited about this investment in BrightMatter technology.”
Modus V, the newest system to be integrated at St. Tammany, is an automated robotic arm with high-powered digital microscope that provides an unprecedented view of patient anatomy. Using the most powerful optics available on the market today and robotic technology originally developed for the International Space Station, Modus V™ allows surgeons to perform less invasive procedures with more precision. In some cranial cases, it may allow surgeries that were previously deemed inoperable.
“Synaptive’s BrightMatter works in concert with navigated surgical tools and Modus V to deliver the surgeon the best possible visualization and the most direct route to remove the tumor,” explained STPH Director of Surgical Services Nancy Ledet RN.
For patients who are scheduled to have minimally invasive spine surgery at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, the neurosurgeon uses Modus V™ to visualize the soft tissue during decompression to ensure nerve roots are completely free from pressure. This results in very small incisions, exceptional outcomes and reduced recovery times.
Patients and families with brain or spine concerns should consult the Ochsner Neuroscience Institute in Covington for more information at 985-875-2828.
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A full-service acute care facility committed to providing world-class healthcare and the latest technology, St. Tammany Parish Hospital delivers today’s life-improving procedures with the utmost care to area residents with emphasis on wellness, preventive care and disease management close to home. STPH is recognized for quality, safety and the patient experience by CareChex, Leapfrog, Healthgrades, Hospital Compare, Women’s Choice and US News & World Report. St. Tammany Parish Hospital is an independent service district in a clinically integrated partnership with Ochsner Health System. Together, the two organizations focus on aligning their healthcare offerings to best serve patients and families in west St. Tammany and surrounding areas. Under their agreement, the two organizations retain their autonomy; neither partner manages nor owns the other. STPH is a self-supporting not-for-profit community hospital; it receives no tax funding. Learn more at stph.org.
Synaptive Medical Inc., a Toronto-based medical device and technology company, designs hardware and software that cross traditional barriers in hospitals and improve patient care delivery in and beyond the operating room. Synaptive’s Modus V™ and integrated BrightMatter™ solutions—including surgical planning, navigation and visualization, and an informatics platform—give leading clinicians and healthcare systems the right information they need to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
Ochsner Health System is Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, healthcare system. Driven by a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate, coordinated clinical and hospital patient care is provided across the region by Ochsner's 40 owned, managed and affiliated hospitals and specialty hospitals, and more than 100 health centers and urgent care centers. Ochsner is the only Louisiana hospital recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best Hospital” across three specialty categories caring for patients from all 50 states and more than 70 countries worldwide each year. Ochsner employs nearly 25,000 employees and over 4,500 employed and affiliated physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties, and conducts more than 700 clinical research studies. Ochsner Health System is proud to be a tobacco-free environment. For more information, please visit ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.