Frequently Asked Questions

What is Renaissance?

Renaissance is Mazor Robotics’ guidance system that allows surgeons to perform any spine surgery, from the simplest to the most complex — safely, accurately and efficiently while reducing radiation and optimizing clinical outcomes.

Independent scientific research has shown that using Mazor Robotics technology in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) increases surgical accuracy, lowers clinical complication rates, reduces pain and enables faster recovery and return to daily activities. Research has also shown its superior accuracy, up to 99.7% (compared to around 90% in freehand surgeries) in complex surgeries such as scoliosis corrections.

How precise is spine surgery with Mazor Robotics’ Renaissance™?

Renaissance™ is designed to provide consistent accuracy to 1 mm (1/25th inch), which is superior to freehand surgeries. Mazor Robotics technology is highly precise and has been clinically validated in studies worldwide. For example, a recently published study demonstrated 98.3% accuracy for placing 3,271 implants in 635 cases in 14 international medical center.

What are the clinical benefits of Mazor Robotics technology?

Although statistics show that spine surgeries are generally quite successful, Renaissance takes spine procedures to the next level with its consistent accuracy. Independent scientific research has shown that Mazor Robotic technology increases surgical accuracy, lowers complication rates, reduces pain and aids in faster recovery with a quicker return to daily activities when compared to open, freehand surgeries.

What are the advantages of minimally invasive surgery with Renaissance™?

In the past, Tri-City surgeons performing open spine surgery have accessed the spine by making a large incision in order to allow a full, direct-field-of-vision and access for the surgeon’s hands and tools. In minimally invasive surgery, our surgeons make much smaller skin incisions.

To allow for this limited field-of-vision, surgeons use fluoroscopy (X-ray) images to view their progress. Yet, even with imaging, comparative studies demonstrate that MIS accuracy is lower than in open surgeries (which offer a better, direct field-of-vision). So, there is usually a clinical tradeoff between accuracy and low exposure to radiation versus the advantage of MIS.

When our surgeons use the Renaissance, they actually map out the surgery on a computer using CT images of the patient. Patients benefit from high levels of accuracy, low intraoperative exposure to radiation and the advantages of minimally invasive surgery.

How will my surgeon work with the Renaissance™?

At Tri-City, our surgeons always select the best treatment for your specific condition Based on your CT-scan, your surgeon will use Renaissance’s advanced 3D planning software to plan the optimal surgery customized for your anatomy and diagnosis. Once in the operating room, Renaissance guides our surgeons precisely to the pre-planned anatomical location where intervention is necessary.

Our surgeons are always in control. The Renaissance is not an independent robot and does not cut or perform any action on your body. Your surgeon performs the required procedures, such as placing implants. Your surgeon is in full control of the system at all times. Also, at any stage, your surgeon can decide to continue without the assistance of the Renaissance.

What should I expect before my surgery?

Before your surgery

• You will have CT images taken of your spine in preparation for your procedure.
• Your surgeon will use Renaissance’s advanced 3D planning software with your CT images to create a unique surgical blueprint. This also provides increased safety and precision increased safety and precision since it allows your surgeon to plan ahead, before entering the operating room.

The day of your surgery

• Once ready for your operation, you will be put under anesthesia.
• In the operating room, two fluoroscopy (low-dose X-ray) images will be taken of your spine, from the back and from the side.
• These images are merged together with your previous CT images by Renaissance’s advanced 3D planning software, creating a unique 3D surgical blueprint to guide your surgeon according to the personalized preoperative surgical blueprint.