Brainlab, a digital medical technology company, has received United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for its Spine Mixed Reality Navigation system, marking a significant advancement in surgical navigation technology for spine procedures. The system is now available for US surgeons, combining the company's established optical navigation platform with mixed reality visualization.
Advanced Visualization Technology
The Spine Mixed Reality Navigation system integrates Brainlab's signature optical navigation system with advanced mixed reality capabilities, projecting extended visualization directly into the sterile surgical field. This technology provides surgeons with real-time visualization of entry and target points for pedicle screw placement, particularly beneficial during minimally invasive surgery (MIS) spine procedures where target identification can be challenging.
The system delivers vital navigation information within the same field of view as patient anatomy, eliminating the traditional need for surgeons to repeatedly shift their gaze between the operative site and navigation screens. This ergonomic design aims to optimize cognitive load and maintain surgical focus.
Clinical Validation and User Experience
Dr. Jason Pittman, MD, PhD, FAAOS, a spine surgeon at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, provided critical clinical feedback throughout the system's development. "Since my first introduction to Spine Mixed Reality Navigation at the Brainlab Usability Summit cadaver lab, I've been eager to work closely with them on their solution," Dr. Pittman stated. "Further hands-on opportunities at the company's headquarters in Munich and Chicago have led me to believe that this solution is the future of the operating room."
During clinical testing at the Usability Summit, the system's 3D 'floating view' and virtual navigation capabilities allowed participants to efficiently place 100 screws over two days of testing while maintaining constant anatomical focus. Dr. Pittman noted that the headset remained comfortable during seven hours of laboratory use and emphasized the system's potential for real-time collaboration with colleagues and residents both within and outside the sterile field.
Market Impact and Availability
"We're ushering in the future of spine surgery, putting groundbreaking tools in the hands of US surgeons," said Sean Clark, President of Brainlab, Inc. The company reports that European surgeons are already utilizing the technology, and the US launch represents a milestone in spinal surgery advancement.
The system delivers what the company describes as "hyper realistic 3D visuals and extended visualization" while maintaining familiar workflow, instruments, and navigation precision that surgeons expect from established navigation systems.
Company Background
Brainlab operates as a digital medical technology company focused on digitizing medical workflows from diagnosis to therapy. The Munich-based company serves 4,000 hospitals across 120 countries and employs approximately 2,000 people across 25 global locations. With over 35 years in health technology, Brainlab continues to develop innovative solutions for modern healthcare technology applications.
