PathKeeper Surgical's 3D optical navigation system has been used in its first commercial lumbar spinal fusion surgery in the U.S.
The 3D system provides real-time tracking of patient anatomy and surgical instruments, and eliminates radiation during procedures. It earned FDA 510(k) clearance in June.
The first two surgeries using the device were performed by Tushar Patel, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon at Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Chevy Chase, Md., at Arlington, Va.-based VHC Health, according to a June 27 press release.
The PathKeeper system was designed to replace traditional navigation technology with a 3D optical system. The system is intended to be more economical for hospitals and ASCs.