Revolutionary 7D Flash Navigation System for Spine Surgery

Our team at St. Luke’s Health is always striving to bring the most advanced and effective treatments to our patients. That's why we're incredibly proud to announce the integration of the groundbreaking 7D Flash Navigation System for spine surgery – a true leap forward in precision and patient safety, making us a unique destination for those seeking the best in spinal care.

Imagine a GPS for your surgery, but with the precision of a self-driving car. That’s essentially what the 7D Flash Navigation System brings to the operating room. Surgeons are now able to perform complex spinal procedures with accuracy and confidence, thanks to this cutting-edge technology.

What Makes the 7D Flash Navigation System So Revolutionary?

At its core, the 7D Flash Navigation System utilizes machine-vision technology with nearly 1,000,000 data points. Think of it like the "Face ID" on your phone, but on a much more sophisticated scale. Here’s a breakdown of how it works and what sets it apart:

• Radiation-Free Innovation: 7D FLASH Navigation improves the safety of the surgeon, staff, and patient by requiring no intraoperative radiation during the procedures, thus potentially reducing harmful side effects of radiation exposure.
  

• Preoperative CT Integration Meets Live Imaging: Before surgery, a detailed CT scan of the patient's spine is taken. In the operating room, the 7D system uses stereoscopic cameras and a projected light grid to capture real-time 3D images of the exposed spine in mere seconds. This live image is then digitally merged and co-registered with the preoperative CT images, creating a seamless, high-definition roadmap for the surgeon.
  

• GPS for Surgery: This sophisticated merging of images acts like an incredibly precise GPS for the surgeon. It provides 3D image guidance, allowing them to visualize exactly where instruments are in relation to the patient's intricate spinal anatomy. This is particularly crucial when putting in screws, navigating around delicate nerves, or addressing complex deformities like posterior scoliosis.
  

• Surgeon-Controlled, Intuitive Design: The system is surgeon-controlled using a foot pedal and a sterile light handle, keeping the surgeon in command of the advanced algorithms and machine-vision cameras at all times.
  

• Speed and Efficiency Unleashed: The rapid image capture and registration – taking only seconds – significantly reduces operative time. This means less time under anesthesia for the patient and a more efficient procedure overall. If any repositioning is needed, the system offers a "flash fix," saving valuable time and resources.
  

• Exceptional Accuracy and Continuous Guidance: With its agnostic system, the 7D Flash Navigation System allows for interchangeable tools, all tracked by cameras that follow spheres attached to the instruments. This provides continuous, uninterrupted visualization and highly accurate guidance for placing pedicle screws and other instrumentation, even if there's minor patient movement. It even offers clear images through common obstructions like shoulders and hips.
  

• Compact and Agile: Unlike some bulky navigation systems, the 7D Flash is designed to be very compact, integrating smoothly into existing operating room workflows

“The 7D Flash Navigation System for spine surgery represents a significant leap forward in surgical precision, patient safety, and operational efficiency. By leveraging advanced computer vision, we are making spine surgery safer, faster, and more precise than ever before,” says surgeon Dr. Peter Shedden at St. Luke’s Health-Lakeside Hospital.

St. Luke’s Health-Lakeside Hospital: Award-Winning Care

At St. Luke’s Health-Lakeside Hospital, we strive to deliver exceptional results, innovate relentlessly, and make a positive impact on the patients we serve. This dedication has been recognized by leading organizations and industry experts. We're proud to share a selection of awards and distinctions that reflect our commitment to excellence:

• Healthgrades 2026 Specialty Care Awards

  • America's 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery (Best Speciality)

  • Spine Surgery Excellence Award (Orthopedics)

  • Five-Star Recipient for Spinal Fusion Surgery (Orthopedics)

• Certificate of Distinction Joint Commission Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Knee Replacement

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center for Total Knee and Hip Replacement

• Aetna® Institutes of Quality for Total Joint Replacement

• Top Hospitals in Houston for Surgery by Consumer Reports

If you're considering knee replacement surgery, talk to your doctor about the benefits of surgery at St. Luke's Health-Lakeside Hospital. We're here to help you take the first step towards a more active and pain-free life. 

Learn more about our Lakeside Hospital at CommonSpirit.org/Lakeside.