Sutter Health has performed the first surgeries in Northern California using Medtronic’s Stealth AXiS™ surgical system, which integrates AI-powered surgical planning, navigation and robotic guidance for spine surgery.
On Oct. 13, neurosurgeon Dr. Aaron Clark performed two minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions, or MIS TLIF, at Sutter’s CPMC in San Francisco. The procedures marked Sutter’s first fully personalized minimally invasive spinal fusions, combining robotic guidance with rods and implants designed for each patient’s anatomy.
Before surgery, Clark used the system to plan screw placement and bone cuts based on each patient’s anatomy. The system also works with software that customizes spinal rod design and supports personalized implants, including the cage placed between the vertebrae to help stabilize the spine. Its LiveAlign™ technology tracks spinal movement and alignment in real time during surgery, giving surgeons updated information as they work.
“So much of successful surgery is planning,” Clark said. “The robot allows the most cutting-edge ability to plan each aspect of the surgery and execute the plan safely and reproducibly on the day of surgery.”
MIS TLIF is used to treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease and spinal instability. The procedure involves removing a damaged disc and placing an implant between the vertebrae to stabilize the spine. Tailoring the rods and cage to each patient’s anatomy allows surgeons to plan the reconstruction around the individual.
“Robotics is the absolute safest and most precise way to place screws and plan bony cuts,” Dr. Clark said. “It is a critical part of personalized spine surgery.”
The milestone adds to Sutter’s growing capabilities in complex spine care. Earlier this month, Sutter announced the launch of the Sutter Advanced Neuroscience & Spine Institute in San Francisco, bringing together specialized spine surgeons to care for patients with complex spinal conditions. A new Advanced Neuroscience & Spine Care Complex at CPMC’s Mission Bernal campus is expected to open in 2028.
