Stryker Rolls Out Q Guidance System with Spine Navigation

Stryker has launched its Q Guidance System for spine applications.
 
It combines new optical tracking options via a redesigned camera with sophisticated Spine Guidance Software algorithms for expanded surgical planning and navigation capability. The Q Guidance System and software together offer a planning and intraoperative guidance system for open or percutaneous computer-assisted surgery.
 
According to Stryker, it’s the first spine navigation software to earn U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for pediatric patients aged 13 and older.
 
“The Q Guidance System offers cutting-edge tracking options with its 4th generation FP8000 camera, and Spine Guidance Software allows for advanced planning and computer-assisted execution,” Robbie Robinson, president of Stryker’s Spine division told the press. “With the addition of the Q Guidance System, customers now have access to a robust solution that includes imaging, guidance, and instruments and is fully integrated and designed to meet complex customer needs. In the years to come, our goal is to use the versatility of this System to help advance our technologies across multiple specialties including cranial, spine, ENT, and orthopedics.”
 
The fourth-gen FP8000 camera has multiple optical tracking methods, including full-spectrum active/passive optical tracking. The guidance system has proprietary active technology and a non-invasive SpineMask patient tracker.
 
Impage processing includes completely redesigned applications, semi-automatic and automatic processing features, gesture recognition, and broad capability with various image sets. The guidance software aims to help surgeons optimize workflow, minimize OR time, and address complex clinical decisions and techniques intraoperatively.
 
The company aims to develop and release new technologies in the Q ecosystem in the future.
 
“In my experience, Spine Guidance Software truly simplifies preoperative planning, navigation and execution,” said Stephen George, M.D., Director of Spine Surgery, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. “From what I have seen, the Q Guidance System is a powerful platform that has provided reliability and performance in a solution that is conveniently scalable to a wide array of surgical procedures, ranging from a single level fusion to a multi-level deformity correction. When used with the Airo TruCT scanner, Spine Guidance Software is designed to minimize time spent intraoperatively planning, thanks to its auto segmentation capability, while also allowing us the benefit of being able to image the patient in the surgical position. Its intuitive and customizable software enables us to configure the System to fit our preferences.”