Wednesday, May 29, 2002

New surgery tool gives better precision

Doctors at Southern Regional Medical Center (SRMC) are now using a system that is revolutionizing neurosurgery in Atlanta. It is called image-guided surgery, a wireless navigation system that gives surgeons complete control in the operating room during brain and spine procedures.

The equipment uses a wand attached to a computer. The wand, which converts any surgical instrument into a live tool, allows doctors to target entry points in the brain, neck or spine and monitor activity during procedures. Three-dimensional images on the computer monitor allow doctors better precision during surgery.

Shahram Rezaiamiri, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Southern Regional, has had great success with the image-guided surgery system. "Image-guided surgery offers many possibilities," he said. "It guides the surgeon during all phases of the operation, making it easier to avoid critical structures of the brain or spinal area."

The system is very user friendly, allowing flexibility and two-way communication between the neuro instrumentation and computer monitor. The image-guided system can be used for a number of procedures, including brain surgery, pituitary tumors and complex spine surgery.

Southern Regional Medical Center is one of only two hospitals in Atlanta that use this system, so it will not only benefit patients in the Southern Crescent, but all patients in the metro area.

Southern Regional Health System provides comprehensive health resources including: Southern Regional Medical Center, a 406-bed, full-service hospital in Riverdale featuring a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center, a women's center, a Diabetes Resource Center and one of the busiest and best emergency departments in the state; RiverWoods, Southern Regional Psychiatric Center, a psychiatric facility with a complete continuum of behavioral care services; Southern Regional Homecare, a home health agency providing home health services and home medical equipment and Surgery Center at Mt. Zion, a multi-specialty surgery center in Morrow.