Royal Philips has unveiled new augmented-reality surgical navigation technology designed for image-guided spine, cranial and trauma surgery.

The new technology will enhance the performance of the firm’s hybrid operating room (hybrid OR) solutions, which are used in both surgical and minimally-invasive endovascular procedures.

Under a joint clinical research program, Philips hybrid ORs with the new capability will be deployed in a network of ten clinical collaborators to promote the technology.

The technology, which expands capabilities of the firm’s low-dose X-ray system, will use high-resolution optical cameras mounted on the flat panel X-ray detector to image the surface of the patient.

Later, it combines the external view acquired by the cameras and the internal 3D view of the patient captured by the X-ray system to build a 3D augmented-reality view of the patient’s external and internal anatomy.

The real-time 3D view of the patient’s spine in relation to the incision sites in the skin helps to improve procedure planning, surgical tool navigation and implant accuracy.

The company recently showcased the new technology at the North American Spine Society Annual Meeting in Boston, US

Philips image-guided therapy systems business leader Ronald Tabaksblat said: “This unique augmented-reality technology is an example of how we expand our capabilities with innovative solutions in growth areas such as spine, neuro and trauma surgery.

“By teaming up with clinical innovation leaders, we continue to find ways to convert open surgery to minimally-invasive treatment to reduce post-operative pain and expedite recovery.”


Image: Philips’ new augmented-reality surgical navigation technology will improve the performance of hybrid operating room solutions. Photo: courtesy of Royal Philips.