First to Use AI-Powered Surgical System to Refine Complex Brain Surgery
Albany Medical Center is the first hospital in the world to use a new, artificial intelligence-driven surgical platform to perform complex brain surgery.
The Stealth AXiS Surgical System by Medtronic leverages AI to map critical neural pathways associated with essential brain functions, supporting advanced planning and real-time image guidance before, during, and after intricate brain surgeries.
The inaugural procedure was performed by ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeon Jordon Grube, DO, and neurosurgeon Robert Heller, MD, to successfully remove a tumor from a patient’s pituitary gland. Using a small camera inserted through the nose to the site of the tumor at the base of the brain, surgeons were able to see the exact location of their tools in relation to the tumor and critical structures using the Stealth Axis’s real-time, 3D image-guided tracking system.
“State-of-the-art brain mapping allows us to confirm the exact location of the tumor and the critical anatomy around it, such as the carotid arteries and optic nerves,” said Dr. Heller. “We’re proud to offer this transformative technology which allows us to perform these complex brain tumor resection surgeries with greater efficiency and safety.”
“This technology brings an elevated level of confidence and optimized precision to skull-based surgery,” said Dr. Grube. “As the first institution to use this technology, Albany Medical Center is reinforcing its commitment to clinical excellence and an enhanced patient experience.”
The Stealth AXiS platform was approved for use in cranial and ENT surgeries by the US Food and Drug Administration in March.
“Cranial procedures require an exceptional level of precision, planning, and real-time insight,” said Michael Carter, senior vice president and president of Medtronic Cranial & Spinal Technologies. “With the Stealth AXiS surgical system, we are bringing together advanced navigation, robotics, and AI-enabled capabilities to support surgeons with deeper insights across the surgical workflow.”
Albany Medical Center’s Pituitary and Minimally Invasive Cranial Base Surgery Program is comprised of ENT surgeons and neurosurgeons who work closely to perform cranial base surgeries. Our fellowship trained surgeons work with radiation and medical oncologists to diagnose and treat patients who require pituitary and minimally invasive cranial base surgery. The advanced endoscopic endonasal techniques used to treat skull base tumors provide a faster recovery time and a shorter hospital stay compared to traditional surgery.