Riverside Healthcare Welcomes Cirq Robot for Advanced Spine Surgery
Precision matters during surgery—especially when working with the delicate nerves of the brain and spine. This month, Riverside neurosurgeon Juan Jimenez, MD welcomed a new surgical assistant: Cirq, a revolutionary robot designed to make spine surgery even safer and more precise for patients.
A Regional First
As the region's only spine experts, Riverside is the first hospital in Illinois and the Midwest to use the Cirq robot. We're also the first Minimally Invasive Spine Center in the country to use this technology for operations.
The Cirq—nicknamed "Cirqules" after the Roman god known for strength—joins our team of leading-edge technologies that help us deliver expert patient care. Inspired by the form of the human arm, Cirq is 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."
What is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery is different from the traditional "open approach." Instead of large incisions, surgeons use smaller openings and specialized tools. This approach offers real benefits:
Benefits for Patients:
- Less pain during recovery
- Smaller scars and incisions
- Faster recovery time
- Reduced risk of complications
- Often, quicker return to daily activities
How the Cirq Robot Helps Your Surgeon
Even the steadiest human hands require exceptional concentration and effort to hold completely still. On longer procedures, fatigue becomes a real concern for surgeons.
With the Cirq robot, surgeons can focus on the delicate, skillful parts of the procedure while the robot acts like a third arm—aiding in accuracy and providing stable positioning. During an operation, Dr. Jimenez moves and locks the robot into place to guide and stabilize surgical steps. By having an extra, software-driven hand, he can focus on the procedure with both human hands.
"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."
You're Always in Expert Hands
Important to know: Dr. Jimenez controls the Cirq robot at all times. You can rest assured that he is in charge of every movement the robot makes. The robot doesn't work independently—it's a highly precise tool that responds to the surgeon's guidance.
Additionally, the Cirq works together with other advanced technologies in our operating rooms. It integrates with Brainlab's Curve navigation system, which—when coupled with the Airo intraoperative CT—provides GPS-like visualization of the surgical area in real time.
This gives Dr. Jimenez a visible image of where he is working, even in areas where he can't see with the human eye. The result? The incredible precision needed for successful spine surgery.
Advanced Technologies Working Together
Cirq Robot
Provides stability and precision, acting as a reliable third arm during surgery
Curve Navigation
Offers GPS-like visualization of the surgical area in real-time
Airo Intraoperative CT
Delivers advanced imaging during surgery for enhanced accuracy
Why Choose Riverside for Spine Care?
- Region's only dedicated spine experts
- First in Illinois and the Midwest to offer Cirq robotic-assisted surgery
- State-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques
- Comprehensive care from diagnosis through recovery
- Experienced team led by board-certified neurosurgeons
Learn More About Our Neurosciences Team
To learn more about Riverside Neurosciences Institute neurosurgeons Dr. Juan Jimenez and Dr. Nicholas Rossi and the services and treatment options they provide as the region's Only Spine Experts, contact us today.