Surgical team at AdventHealth performs world’s first of its kind procedure using Apple Vision Pro mixed reality system

Rothman Orthopaedics and AdventHealth Surgery Center Innovation Tower are the first in the world to use an innovative digital tool for a total shoulder replacement surgery. The surgical team was the first to incorporate Apple Vision Pro goggles into this surgical procedure.

“It's improved our efficiency [and] advances our ability to take care of patients,” said Dr. Russ Huffman, a surgeon with Rothman Orthopaedics at AdventHealth.

The goggles are worn by a surgical tech and projects mixed-reality digital images of the instruments needed and steps involved in the surgery.

“I'm looking at the operating room just as normal. And then I see the screens pop up in different locations in the room,” said Natasha Francois, and AdventHealth surgical tech. “It just keeps me one step ahead.”

Francois donned the system inside her sterile suit for a recent total shoulder replacement at AdventHealth Surgery Center Innovation Tower. It was the first time in the world such a system was used in this type of procedure.

“We've provided a surgical map of every surgeon's, every surgery, and a reference or sequence guide,” said Dr. Robert Masson, a neurosurgeon and the COE of eXeX the Orlando-based software company that developed the system. “We are giving [surgical teams] an organizational structure that people have never had before.”

eXeX estimates a 150% to 200% increase in operating room efficiency, which ultimately benefits patient safety.

“[The team is] able to manipulate the back table, put all the instruments out in the steps that I need them, and kind of go through the surgery before we even do it,” said Huffman. “Through that efficiency comes quality, reproducibility and precision.”

“It just speaks volumes towards the legacy that AdventHealth has always carried, of best-in-class clinical practice coupled with innovation,” said Masson. “This is an innovative technology that's pushing into our everyday activities in the O.R. [and] driving quality of care,” added Huffman.

AdventHealth and Rothman Orthopaedics will continue using the eXeX Apple Vision Pro system for all types of orthopedic surgery. AdventHealth is also exploring use of the technology to help in other areas such as general and cardiovascular surgery.

CLICK HERE to learn more AdventHealth Orthopedic Institute and Rothman Orthopaedics.