Metro Health – University of Michigan Health is elevating its already renowned spine program, becoming the first hospital in Michigan to acquire the Mazor X™ spine surgery system for minimally invasive procedures.

Developed by Mazor Robotics, the Mazor X surgical assistance system combines unprecedented tools and analytics to plan operations, as well as unparalleled image-based guidance during operations.

The system brings exceptional precision to minimally invasive procedures. Because they require smaller incisions than open surgery, minimally invasive operations result in less pain, less blood loss and quicker recovery. 

“Minimally invasive surgery has been a major focus at Metro Health in recent years,” says Dr. Peter Hahn, chief medical officer. “The Mazor X will further enable our surgeons to achieve the best possible outcomes.”

Metro Health was also the first hospital in Michigan to use Mazor’s previous-generation robot for spine surgery, the Renaissance® guidance system.

“After completing more than 400 safe and successful surgeries with the previous robot, it was an easy decision to pioneer the Mazor X in Michigan,” says Dr. John Keller, section chief of neurosurgery at Metro. “This new robot gives us advantages before and during surgery that were not available even two years ago.”

Smaller incisions can pose a challenge for surgeons because the view of the patient’s anatomy is limited. The Mazor X system overcomes this challenge by providing a CT-based three-dimensional simulation of the patient’s spine, helping surgeons develop an optimal plan before entering the operating room. In addition, computer analytics provide precision guidance during the operation.

“Mazor X allows us to operate with greater accuracy, efficiency and confidence,” Hahn says. “We believe this is the safest and most accurate minimally invasive technology for spine procedures available.”