Kalamazoo, Michigan-based Stryker designed the Q Guidance System as an image-based planning and intraoperative platform. The company launched the system for spinal applications in September 2022. This latest iteration offers support for cranial surgeries. Stryker received FDA clearance for it in February.
The technology provides surgeons with image-based planning and an intraoperative guidance system to support cranial surgeries. Its uses include intraoperative guidance where a reference to a rigid anatomical structure can be identified. The system tracks navigated instruments and displays the position and orientation of instruments in patient images.
Dr. Melvin Field is one of the first surgeons to bring the system to the OR. He serves as medical director for the Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery program at AdventHealth.
“In my opinion, Stryker’s Q Guidance System with cranial guidance software could be the new gold standard for image-guided neurosurgical navigation,” said Field. “Cranial procedures are extremely delicate, and outcomes may go beyond physical health, potentially altering your patient’s appearance or personality. The system offers advanced planning and guidance capabilities, giving me greater confidence to perform these complex surgeries.”
Ahead of a full commercial launch, Stryker plans to roll out the system at five additional early product surveillance sites. Those sites include the University of New Mexico, the University of Arkansas, the University of Michigan, Thomas Jefferson University and Lenox Hill Hospital.
Stryker disclosed that Dr. Melvin Field serves as a paid consultant. His statements represent his own opinions based on personal experience and not necessarily those of Stryker, the company said.
