Intro: This is Weekly Dose of Wellness, brought to you by Memorial Care Health System. Here's Deborah Howell.

Deborah Howell (Host): Considering spine surgery in the past has been daunting for the patient. But thankfully, it's now safer and more efficient than ever before. In this episode, Dr. Philip Yuan, an Orthopedic Surgeon with Memorial Care, tells us how the Spine Center at Memorial Care Long Beach Medical Center is revolutionizing spine surgery with the Stryker Q Spine Guidance 5 System with Copilot. Welcome, Dr. Yuan.

Phillip Yuan, M.D.: Thank you. Good morning.

Host: Very excited to talk to you about all these new developments. Let's dive right in. How does the Stryker Q Spine Guidance 5 System with Copilot enhance precision in spine surgery compared to previous navigation technologies?

Phillip Yuan, M.D.: Well, a lot of research and thought went into the design of this system. It was programmed with very sophisticated processing algorithms and intuitive software that basically converts standard surgical instruments, such as a drill or probe, and even the spinal implants themselves into connected, smart tools that could be controlled with pinpoint accuracy. On top of that, the tools can be programmed to follow predetermined surgeon-specific inputs, which are customizable, which we can talk more about later.

Host: Wow, that's exciting. Can you explain how the system's advanced optical tracking and realtime data processing improves surgical accuracy?

Phillip Yuan, M.D.: Yes, the Stryker Spine Guidance System uses active tracking LED technology with a proprietary state-of-the-art camera that is several times faster than other navigation systems available. The feedback to the surgeon is much quicker and reliable. It's also easier for the surgeons as the Copilot application uses a 360-degree tracker that has visibility from all sides, so the system doesn't lose tracking when operating surgical tools at different angles.

The software also uses artificial intelligence to auto-segment critical anatomy, as we call no-fly zones. It can basically make a good surgeon better, as it can prevent the surgeon from operating in areas that should be avoided. A good example is when we place a pedicle screw for spinal stabilizations. Thousands of these screws are placed around the world every day. The margin for error is very small, sometimes less than a millimeter. The nerve roots in the spinal cord are intimately close to where the implant needs to be. If the screw is placed improperly, the damage can be devastating, including paralysis, numbness, or intractable pain. But with the Stryker Guidance System, the surgeon has immediate feedback if the screw path or trajectory is not ideal, thus nearly eliminating the chance for nerve damage.

Host: Wow, that is just such a plus for the patient and the doctor. What advantages does the Airo Mobile CT scanner provide when used with the Q guidance system?

Phillip Yuan, M.D.: So, the Airo Mobile CT, it is a TruCT scanner that provides enhanced image quality and visualization compared to other systems that use simple 2D cone beam fluoroscopy that are then processed to create a 3D image. it also has the largest field of view compared to any mobile scanner on the market, so it can reduce the amount of radiation to the patient and also decrease the surgical time.

Host: This is brand new technology, correct?

Phillip Yuan, M.D.: Yes, it is.

Host: Wonderful. And how does this technology contribute to faster recovery times and better outcomes for patients?

Phillip Yuan, M.D.: The combination of these technologies allows for surgeons to execute the planned procedure using minimally invasive approaches with increased procedural efficiency, reduced blood loss, and anesthesia time, which in turn leads to faster recovery and better outcomes for the patient at less cost. It also eliminates malpositioned hardware and the need for revision surgery.

Host: So, better outcomes, less cost. But now I need to ask, how does the system help reduce surgical complications and improve patient safety?

Phillip Yuan, M.D.: So, as I mentioned above, the copilot of software uses AI or artificial intelligence to basically auto-segment critical anatomy, which we call no-fly zones and prevents the surgical drill or tool from operating within these predefined safety zones. Examples include the neural foramina or the central spinal canal that houses the nerve roots and spinal cord respectively. Both areas need to be avoided when either removing bone for a decompression procedure or placing screws and Copilot adds a new level of safety to this delicate portion of the surgery. It basically will stop or not even allow us to go there.

Host: Wow. So, it's got like braking system almost.

Phillip Yuan, M.D.: It really does. It will actually turn off on its own by a pre-programmed determination.

Host: So, the human needs to input the data, but the machine will put on the brakes.

Phillip Yuan, M.D.: Yes, and it's surgeon-specific. So if a surgeon wants to stop within two millimeters of a certain area versus one millimeter, they can program that.

Host: Wow, that is terrific. How does the Q Guidance System streamline surgical workflows in the operating room?

Phillip Yuan, M.D.: So, the Guidance 5 software, as I mentioned, uses artificial intelligence. So basically, it will automatically plan the optimal and safest screw position considering the patient's specific anatomy. Every patient's different. This automation saves considerable time in the operating room and helps get the patient into the recovery process faster, and the software can also remember a surgeon's preferences and help determine the best diameter and length of the screw to place at each level in order to maximize the strength of the construct.

Host: Wonderful. What role does the system's customizable dashboard and dual monitor display play in improving surgical efficiency?

Phillip Yuan, M.D.: The system basically allows for the surgeon to have a specific profile with custom dashboards and user settings. So, it'll save and it'll know my preferences, which contributes to overall surgical efficiency. There are a lot of ways to perform various spine procedures, but it's incredibly helpful when sophisticated and intuitive technologies like the Stryker Guidance system are available. And I'm thankful for Memorial Care for investing in it.

Host: Yeah, for sure. Now, a little bit more of a philosophical question for you, Doctor. What does the adoption of this technology say about the Memorial Care Long Beach Medical Center's commitment to innovation in spine surgery?

Phillip Yuan, M.D.: Now, to me, it means that Memorial Care is really determined to stay on the cutting edge and offer our patients the best spinal treatment options. Long Beach Memorial was one of the first hospitals in the region to utilize computer navigation and robotic surgery in the spine. But they're not stopping there. As technology advances, Memorial Care seems to determine to offer the greatest and latest technology and treatment options.

Host: And where can people learn more about the Spine Health Center at Long Beach Medical Center?

Phillip Yuan, M.D.: The best way is to visit memorialcare.org/ longbeachspine.

Host: Okay. Okay. That's memorialcare.org/lbspine. Thanks so much, Dr. Yuan, for your time and expertise today. We really enjoyed having you on the show.

Phillip Yuan, M.D.: Thank you, Deborah.

Host: For more info or to listen to a podcast of this show, please visit memorialcare.org. That's memorialcare.org. That's all for this time. I'm Deborah Howell. Have yourself a terrific day.