Riverside Healthcare welcomes Cirq robot for advanced spine surgery
November 16, 2020Precision matters during surgery, especially when working with the delicate nerves of the brain and spine. Riverside Healthcare neurosurgeon Juan Jimenez, MD, has welcomed a new surgical assistant: Cirq, a robotic system designed to help make spine surgery safer and more precise for patients.
Riverside Healthcare is the first hospital in Illinois and the Midwest to use the Cirq robotic system. Riverside is also the first Minimally Invasive Spine Center in the country to use the technology for operations.
The Cirq, nicknamed “Cirqules” after the Roman god known for strength, joins Riverside’s team of advanced surgical technologies. Inspired by the form of the human arm, Cirq works as a reliable and intuitive assistant during surgical procedures.
“The Cirq helps to set Riverside at the forefront of medicine as we continue to utilize technology and develop methods that most would expect to see in large metropolitan research hospitals.”
Juan Jimenez, MD, Medical Director of Riverside Neurosciences Institute
How Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Helps Patients
Minimally invasive spine surgery is different from the traditional open approach. Instead of large incisions, surgeons use smaller openings and specialized tools. This approach may offer several benefits for patients, including:
- Less pain during recovery
- Smaller scars and incisions
- Faster recovery time
- Reduced risk of complications
- A quicker return to daily activities for some patients
How the Cirq Robotic System Supports Surgery
Even the steadiest hands require intense focus to hold completely still during long, delicate procedures. With the Cirq robotic system, surgeons can focus on the most precise parts of the procedure while the robot provides stable positioning.
During surgery, Dr. Jimenez moves and locks the robot into place to help guide and stabilize surgical steps. The system acts like an extra arm, helping support accuracy while the surgeon remains in control.
“The amount of effort when using the Cirq is impressively less, allowing me to give my full attention to the precision needed. This is essential to the success of the surgery and greatly benefits our patients’ recoveries.”
Dr. Juan Jimenez
The Surgeon Stays in Control
Dr. Jimenez controls the Cirq robotic system at all times. The robot does not work independently. It is a precise surgical tool that responds to the surgeon’s guidance.
The Cirq also works with other advanced technologies in Riverside’s operating rooms. It integrates with Brainlab’s Curve navigation system, which, when paired with the Airo intraoperative CT, provides GPS-like visualization of the surgical area in real time.
This gives Dr. Jimenez a clear view of where he is working, even in areas that cannot be seen directly with the human eye. That added visibility helps provide the precision needed for successful spine surgery.
Advanced Technology Close to Home
The Cirq robotic system is part of Riverside Healthcare’s ongoing commitment to bringing advanced care to the region. By offering this technology locally, Riverside helps patients access leading-edge spine care close to home.
To learn more about Riverside’s neurosurgery services, visit the Riverside Neurosciences Institute or view Dr. Juan Jimenez’s provider profile.