On the Cutting Edge- New Advanced Surgical Technology Comes to Southern NH

Dr. Tung Nguyen of Foundation Neurosurgery is the first surgeon in northern New England to use the Stryker Airo TruCT, a cutting-edge technology now being implemented in precision neurosurgical procedures at Southern NH Medical Center. In this Q&A, he shares the benefits of this technology to patients and how Foundation Neurosurgery is leveraging it to revolutionize precise neurosurgical procedures. 

Question: What is the Stryker Airo TruCT?  

Dr. Nguyen: Airo TruCT is a mobile medical imaging device that provides high-quality 3D scans of a patient’s body, much like a traditional CT (computed tomography) scanner, but with the added convenience of being portable. This means that instead of moving a patient to a dedicated scanning room, the device can be brought directly to the patient, even during surgery. It helps doctors see detailed images of bones, tissues, and organs in real-time, allowing for more precise and safer medical procedures. 

Question: What advantages does it offer over traditional CT scanners in neurosurgical procedures? 

Dr. Nguyen: We can now perform real-time, high-quality CT scans during spine and brain surgeries to boost visibility and accuracy, with the goal of improving patient outcomes. The new CT technology provides innovative surgical imaging capabilities to patients. With Airo TruCT, Southern NH Health surgeons can scan up to a meter of the spine in as little as 43 seconds. 

I have experienced improved visibility and responsiveness during surgery, with Airo TruCT. The technology provides more information for decision-making during surgery, and the ability to perform some procedures in less time. In addition, the technology is mobile, making it more flexible for our space.  

Question: In what types of neurosurgical cases do you find the Stryker Airo TruCT to be most beneficial? 

Dr. Nguyen: Cases that require accurate placement of hardware or probes/catheters would benefit from this technology. These cases include lumbar, thoracic, and cervical fusions, sacroiliac joint fusions, placement of intracranial catheters, and shunts. 

Question: How does the use of the Airo TruCT affect patient safety during neurosurgical procedures? 

Dr. Nguyen: Once CT images are obtained, we can use a computer navigation system to accurately place hardware or implants to avoid important structures such as nerves and blood vessels. 
 

Question: Have you observed any differences in patient recovery times or overall outcomes when using the Airo TruCT compared to traditional imaging methods? 

Dr. Nguyen: The technology helps with patient outcomes, as it has the potential to reduce complication rates and shorten recovery times. 

Question: What kind of training is required for surgeons and operating room staff to effectively use the Airo TruCT? 

Dr. Nguyen: Surgeons have access to training in a Stryker facility using cadavers. Once installed, surgeons and operating room staff have hands-on training with the scanner and computer navigation software on plastic models in the actual operating room.  

Question: Do other hospitals in our area use Airo TruCT?  

Dr. Nguyen: SNHMC is the first hospital in northern New England to offer Stryker Airo TruCT mobile imaging technology to its patients. 

Question: Can you provide an example of a patient where the Airo TruCT significantly improved surgical outcomes? 

Dr. Nguyen: I recently used Airo TruCT with a patient who has had previous back surgery, where there is hardware and abnormal altered pathology that makes identification of “normal” anatomy impossible. TruCT images allowed for easy identification of relevant bony structures for safe placement of hardware. 

The technology would also be useful with a patient who is undergoing sacroiliac joint fusion. Previously this was done with fluoroscopy. Depending on the patient’s body, the relevant anatomy might be difficult to see. Having a CT scan at the time of surgery would show the anatomy clearly for surgery. 

For more information about Foundation Neurosurgery, visit snhhealth.org/neurosurgery.