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Robotic technology in spine surgery is the only method available today that can predetermine and ensure the success of an operation, especially when we are talking about demanding spinal deformity surgeries.

What is Excelsius GPS?

Excelsius GPS is the most complete and advanced system of stereotactic surgery and robotic guidance in the spine available on the global market today. That is why I am particularly happy that the Athens Medical Group believed and invested in this technology with the aim of providing the best possible care to its patients.

What advantages does robotic guidance offer, with Excelsius GPS?

The theoretical advantages are many. What is valuable to me, however, is the practical benefit for the surgeon and by extension for his patients.

First of all, let me clarify that these systems are applicable in cases where materials are implanted in the spine and are not used for procedures such as microdiscectomies and nerve decompressions that do not require spinal fusion. And I emphasize this because I have found that there is a false impression among patients that “robotic microdiscectomies” and “robotic decompressions” are being performed when these procedures are performed with a minimally invasive method (e.g. through tubes or through endoscopes). I would also like to emphasize the fundamental importance of the human factor and specifically the surgical team (surgeons, anesthesiologist, instrument provider, nurse, radiologist, ward nurses and physiotherapists), who cannot be replaced by any “robot”, at least today.

Has the Excelsius GPS system changed the way you perform your surgeries?

I can say with certainty that yes, it has changed the way I perform my surgeries, even though I have been using digital navigation technology (which is the precursor to robotic systems) for many years. I am referring mainly to large and complex spinal surgeries, surgeries for deformities (kyphosis-scoliosis-revisions of failed surgeries). In these surgeries lies the great value of robotic spine surgery.

Now, not only the planning but also the actual execution of the surgery begins days before the surgery with the planning of the precise placement of the materials in a virtual reality environment. This gives me the comfort and time to make corrections to achieve the optimal placement of the materials.

Having precisely planned the placement of the implants, I can now request the manufacture of personalized bars for the reduction of deformities which are ideally shaped based on my design, without having to be shaped intraoperatively, wasting valuable time and blood, but above all without compromising their mechanical strength.

Intraoperatively, the part of placing the materials flows smoothly, completely according to plan and with millimeter precision, which helps me focus on the most important points of the procedures such as nerve decompression or osteotomies.

Finally, the easy placement of the pre-curved reduction rods intraoperatively confirms the correct and complete correction of the deformities, ensuring a successful result.