Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis has expanded its spine surgery to include a $1.2 million upgrade of its Mazor Robotics' Renaissance technology with the Mazor X™ Robotic Guidance System, the next-generation available from Medtronic.

A Saint Francis spokesperson said the Mazor X robotic guidance system combines advanced software, robotic technology and instrumentation to help deliver high-quality care and supports more predictable surgical procedures. The system enables surgeons to step into the operating room with a detail-rich, complete surgical plan that can be executed using trajectory guidance. Mazor Robotics technology can be used to treat a variety of debilitating conditions, such as scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, disc herniation and kyphosis.

A news release reports that the Mazor X robotic guidance system is indicated for precise positioning of surgical instruments or spinal implants during general spine surgery. Directly connected to the patient's bony anatomy when in use, the system is specifically designed to provide a stable and precise environment for performing spine surgery and allows for pre-operative or intra-operative planning and robotic-guided execution of multiple trajectories.

"Mazor Robotics is ushering in a new era in spine surgery, and we are thrilled to bring this latest capability in minimally invasive procedures," said Dr. Audrey Gregory, market chief executive officer, Saint Francis Healthcare. "We have a solid reputation as an established leader in spine surgery, and this latest offering provides our patients with the latest advanced medical technology."