Dr. Stuart Mitchell, a board-certified surgeon in the UNC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is transforming patient care by utilizing cutting-edge technology to both reduce radiation and amount of time under anesthesia, and to improve surgical technique in his pediatric patients.
Dr. Mitchell specializes in pediatric spinal surgery and uses 7D Surgical System’s FLASH™ navigation technology to treat spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, and other spinal problems. 7D surgical technology is an image-guided spinal navigation system that utilizes machine vision technology similar to facial recognition in smart phone cameras instead of a CT scan or X-rays in the operating room to set up the system. This reduces the amount of radiation the surgical team is exposed to during spinal surgeries with navigation. “Radiation exposure is cumulative and can increase the risk of health problems such as cancer. This technology helps protect both our patients and the surgical team,” Dr. Mitchell explained.
In addition to reducing radiation, the 7D system enhances surgical accuracy. The technology generates detailed 3D mapping of the patient’s anatomy with machine vision by projecting a light pattern and digitizing it into a cloud of nearly one million data points. This allows Dr. Mitchell to perform surgeries with higher precision, which not only improves outcomes but also reduces the amount of time patients are under anesthesia and the likelihood of needing follow-up surgeries due to errors. “The process of learning is simple, and it greatly improves the overall experience for both surgeons and patients–I see no reason not to implement this technology,” added Dr. Mitchell.
Looking ahead, Dr. Mitchell is exploring the use of BoneMRI scans in place of CT scans to further minimize radiation exposure. “Many of our patients need frequent imaging throughout the course of their treatment, and MRI is a radiation-free option. We’re always looking for ways to improve care before, during, and after surgery, while also improving the patient experience,” he says. This shift would be especially beneficial for children who’s rapidly developing cells are much more sensitive to radiation than those of adults.
Dr. Mitchell, who joined the department three years ago after a fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, has been at the forefront of integrating advanced imaging technology into pediatric spinal surgery. His commitment to leveraging these innovations ensures that his patients receive the safest, most precise care possible.
By incorporating technologies like 7D FLASH Navigation and BoneMRI, Dr. Mitchell is setting a new standard in pediatric spinal surgery, focused on minimizing risk, improving surgical outcomes, and enhancing the overall experience for young patients and their families.