WASHINGTON – MedStar Washington Hospital Center recently surpassed 500 spine procedures using the Cirq® robotic arm. It is the first hospital in the nation to reach this milestone with a procedure that helps neurosurgeons operate with greater accuracy and supports faster recovery for patients.
“This technology has transformed how we perform spine surgery,” said Edward Aulisi, MD, chairman of Neurosurgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. “Reaching this milestone reflects our strong commitment to providing our patients with the best care possible.”
The Cirq robotic arm is a lightweight, surgeon-controlled device mounted directly to the operating table. It helps guide surgical instruments along a planned path, improving precision during complex procedures. This is especially important for drilling and placing pedicle screws, which help stabilize the spine during surgery.
“With better visualization and precision, we can tailor each surgery to the individual patient. This helps make procedures safer and more effective,” said Dr. Aulisi.
The achievement coincides with the launch of two Loop-X® mobile imaging systems, now fully integrated with the Cirq platform. Together, they support both brain and spine surgeries.
Loop-X is an intraoperative imaging robot that creates real-time 2D and 3D images. It gives surgeons detailed views of a patient’s anatomy during the procedure, helping them confirm accuracy and make adjustments as needed. Unlike traditional imaging systems that require manual positioning, it can position itself automatically, which saves time and reduces disruptions during surgery.
Together, Cirq and Loop-X help surgeons perform highly precise, image-guided procedures, improving accuracy, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
“I’m proud that MedStar Washington Hospital Center is leading the way in using both Loop-X and Cirq. These tools reflect our commitment to innovation and advancing care for our patients and the broader neuroscience community,” said Dr. Aulisi.