St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Sydney is advancing the capabilities of modern neurosurgery with the introduction of the Brainlab Loop-X robotic intraoperative imaging system. This sophisticated technology allows surgeons to obtain detailed three-dimensional images during surgery, helping to perform complex procedures with greater precision, confidence and control.
Unlike conventional approaches, where surgeons primarily rely on scans performed before an operation, Loop-X provides updated imaging while the patient remains on the operating table. This allows surgeons to verify anatomical structures throughout the procedure, to confirm the position of surgical instruments and implants, and to make adjustments during the procedure when necessary.
Loop-X is a mobile robotic imaging system that produces high-resolution 2D X-ray and 3D cone-beam CT images directly in the operating theatre. The system moves robotically around the patient, getting detailed images that can be integrated with existing MRI scans using surgical navigation technology. One of the biggest advantages of Loop-X is that we can have up-to-date information during surgery, without having to move the patient to another room for a scan.
Importantly, Loop-X is not an MRI scanner. It uses advanced X-ray-based imaging technology, which is particularly valuable for visualising bone, surgical instruments, electrodes and implants.
The introduction of Loop-X offers several important advantages for patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures.
Greater surgical precision – Detailed 3D imaging helps surgeons accurately identify anatomical landmarks and verify the placement of surgical instruments, electrodes and implants, particularly when operating close to delicate neural structures.
Enhanced patient safety – Intraoperative imaging allows surgeons to identify and potentially correct positioning issues before completing the operation, helping reduce the risk of complications associated with inaccurate implant placement.
Immediate verification during surgery – Rather than waiting until after an operation to assess the position of an implant or electrode, the surgical team can see images and confirm its placement while the procedure is still underway.
Loop-X technology can support a wide range of neurosurgical procedures, including:
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) – The Loop-X imaging assists in confirming the accurate placement of electrodes used to treat Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and other movement disorders.
Brain biopsies and stereotactic neurosurgery – Intraoperative images support accurate navigation to targets within the brain.
Complex brain and skull-base procedures – Loop-X can provide updated 3D imaging during selected cranial procedures, helping surgeons navigate complex anatomy, verify the position of instruments and implants, and assess important structural changes during an operation.
The mobile imaging robot Loop-X offers optimal 2D and 3D intraoperative image quality across a variety of clinical disciplines. Loop-X is advancing mobile imaging and robotics with functionality that sets it apart from conventional imaging devices, courtesy BrainLab.
Integration of surgical navigation system enables guided precision surgery, courtesy BrainLab.
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