MINNEAPOLIS. (March 10, 2021) —Allina Health and Twin Cities Spine Center have completed their 100th spine surgery using the Medtronic Mazor X Robotic System. This latest technology helps the surgeon review the unique anatomy of a patient and determine a precise plan for placing spinal instrumentation prior to entering the operating room.
In addition to creating a more efficient and safe surgery, the Mazor X Robotic Platform may reduce the time some patients spend under general anesthesia by eliminating the need for re-positioning during certain procedures. The technology also reduces radiation exposure to both the patient and operating staff by eliminating the need for the X-ray unit.
"Completing the 100th procedure with the Medtronic Mazor X Robotic System is a significant milestone for Allina Health and Twin Cities Spine Center," said Twin Cities Spine Center surgeon Dr. Eiman Shafa. “The Mazor X Robotic System allows us to better care for our patients by helping us plan a safer, more efficient surgery that reduces risk and allows them to get back to their normal routines faster.”
Allina Health has done more than four-times as many robot-assisted spine surgeries as any other center in Minnesota. Dr. Shafa is committed to Twin Cities Spine Center’s mission which includes being an international leader in spine surgery by providing optimal patient care, and making lasting contributions to the field.
Dr. Shafa also recently completed his first minimally invasive TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion) using the most-updated Mazor X Robotic System on a 36-year-old male with back and severe left lower extremity pain and progressive weakness. The morning after surgery the patient was discharged and reported being symptom free of both leg and back pain.
“Robot-assisted spine surgery is changing how we operate,” said Dr. Shafa. “It’s a powerful tool that in the hands of expert surgeons will help us continue to provide positive, life-changing results for patients.”
Allina Health is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A nonprofit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 90+ clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 14 retail pharmacies, and many specialty care centers and specialty medical services, home care, and emergency medical transportation services. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.