Robotic arm used for spinal surgeries makes its way to Idaho

The third generation of a surgical robotic arm has made its way to Idaho.

The Mazor X surgical robotic arm is used in 18 countries. It is used in eight hospitals in the United States.

The cutting-edge technology is used to treat scoliosis.

Eastern Idaho received its first one last week.

Dr. Robert Johnson just started working at Bingham Memorial Hospital in October 2016. He was one of the few people who worked on the Mazor X at the Texas Back Institute.

“Part of that training included the development of the Mazor X. I was able to see what it could do for not just the surgeon intraoperatively, but the outcomes of those patients and how it benefited them,” Dr. Johnson said. “It’s a tool to help the surgeon improve the outcome of the surgery for that patient. Improve the patient’s outcome.”

The Mazor X robotic arm can decrease surgery time by between two and seven hours, he said.

“It doesn’t magically do anything that’s going to solve everything. What the robot does is limit some of those inherent risks associated with an already precarious and technically demanding surgery,” Dr. Johnson said.

To use the robotic arm, you first gather the X-rays and scans and upload the blueprint to the robot. Then, software helps recognize specific spinal anatomy unique to the area of interest and it assists the surgeon.

Dave Lowry, a registered nurse, is the assistant administrator at Bingham Memorial Hospital, the manager of the Idaho Doctor’s Hospital, which is his specialty hospital, and the administrator for Skyline Surgery Center.

“Most systems that you see out there in regards to spine is called navigation. What it does is tell you where you’re at. It doesn’t prevent you from making a mistake,” Lowry said. “The advantage of the Mazor is active participation in the surgery so it helps you not to make a mistake. So, your hand – you can’t move in a certain direction because the robot won’t allow you to do that.”

Johnson emphasized the robotic arm is mainly present to assist the surgeon.

“The robot doesn’t replace the surgeon in any aspect. All the robot does is increase the surgeon’s accuracy and precision and thereby shortening hospital stays, faster recoveries and overall improved patient outcomes,” Johnson said.

Bingham Memorial Hospital will have an open house for people to see the Mazor X in person, on Thursday, March 2 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Johnson and other physicians will be at the open house to answer questions.

Johnson also does free consultations for those interested in having surgery using Mazor X.