Hadassah performs world's first two-robot repair of complex spinal break

The world's first-of-its-kind dual robotic surgery was recently performed at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem in Jerusalem.

Aaron Schwartz, age 42, was severely injured when a heavy wall of steel fell on him at work. Suffering six broken vertebrae and leg fractures in two places, Schwartz was brought to the underground hybrid operating room in Hadassah Hospital's Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower.

"In the hybrid room are two robots," explained Prof. Meir Liebergall, head of Hadassah's Orthopedic Department. "The more innovative of the two is the Zeego. It allows three-dimensional imagining while a surgeon is operating, which is unusual during surgery. This lets the surgeon know exactly where each organ is, and he no longer has to rely on CT scans before surgery and X-rays after the surgery.

The Zeego robot was controlled by senior orthopedic surgeon Josh Schroeder, working together with Dr. Amal Khouri, who controlled another robot named Renaissance®, developed by Israel's Mazor Robotics. The two robots communicated with each other during the surgery, when 11 orthopedic screws were inserted with exactitude-precision that can only be achieved with the use of the robots, preventing much suffering to the patient."

The Mazor Robotics Renaissance® Guidance System transforms spine surgery from freehand procedures to highly-accurate, state-of-the-art procedures that may reduce fluoroscopy-even for minimally-invasive surgery (MIS), scoliosis, and other complex spinal deformity cases.

The Siemens Artis Zeego® Robotic Technology enables smoother, swifter and trouble-free patient positioning and execution procedures.

Dr. Liebergall predicted that patient Schwartz will completely recover from the surgery and will be walking again very shortly.

Schwartz relates: "I work in a large factory outside of Jerusalem and have to build large metal surfaces. Before I could begin, a wall of steel fell on me, pinning me to the ground. The pain was unbelievable and I couldn't move. I saw death in front of me. I understand that I'll be able to walk once the leg improves. I am so grateful. My son will have a dad. What amazing technology at Hadassah and what a caring staff that checks on me all the time. I don't take it for granted."

Once again, the Hadassah Medical Organization achieved another world-first-a dual robot-assisted spinal surgery, solidifying the organizations reputation for world-class medical innovation and treatment.

Dr. Liebergall and his surgical team are continuing Hadassah's mission of bringing ground-breaking medical care to the people of Israel and the world.