High-Technology Tools

Through continuous collaboration between neurologists and neurosurgeons, our neurosurgery department at DELTA CHIREC offers multidisciplinary care, enabling the treatment of the entire spectrum of current neurosurgery and neurology with surgical excellence and utilizing the latest modern technological advancements, a practice we have upheld for nearly 50 years. We have taken particular care to remain at the forefront of the constant evolution of spinal surgery. This enables us to offer our patients – when surgery is necessary – effective treatments for lumbar or cervical disc herniation, arthritic or congenital spinal deformities, and spinal tumor pathology. We perform the full spectrum of spinal surgery, from microsurgical approaches to complex fusions. We have taken particular care to remain at the forefront of the constant evolution of spinal surgery and cerebral surgery.

DOCTOR COLLIGNON ADVOCATES MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL METHODS

We always prioritize applying minimally invasive surgical methods whether for spinal or brain surgery.

1. The Operating Microscope

The use of an operating microscope, ultrasonic scalpel, neuronavigation, and stereotaxy (computer-assisted surgery) allows for millimetric precision in the treatment of brain tumors, and the performance of highly precise neurosurgical trepanations, which are increasingly less invasive, yet still as effective.

2. Neuronavigation

Intraoperative neuronavigation is an essential tool for Doctor Collignon to assist him in the excision of brain tumors.

Neuronavigation relies on a preoperative localization examination (CT scan or MRI) which is recorded in the machine the day before the procedure. Initially, the surgeon identifies external landmarks on the patient's skin (orbits, nasion, ...) as well as the surgical target (tumor).

The machine calculates the relative position of the tumor in relation to these anatomical landmarks. The Neurosurgeon then has real-time access to the patient's brain anatomy on a screen located next to him. Using 3D images, Doctor Collignon can then plan the intervention by determining the trajectory he wishes to take and the structures of interest to preserve.

For brain tumor surgery, neuronavigation is coupled with intraoperative ultrasound to account for brain movements during resection.

3. The Combination of a Robotic Scanner and a Spinal Navigation System

At the end of 2020, CHIREC's Neurosurgery department, led by Professor Collignon, acquired new technology, one of the first in Europe, combining a spinal navigation system with an intraoperative robotic scanner in a fully digitized operating room.

This technology allows the surgeon to place, without radiation and with high precision, spinal implants such as pedicle screws or interbody cages during so-called minimally invasive arthrodesis procedures. The surgical procedure is performed via small incisions, reducing devascularization and denervation of the paravertebral musculature. This minimally invasive surgery reduces hospitalization time and allows patients to resume their activities sooner. Due to the narrow exposure of vertebral structures, this technique relies heavily on high-performance imaging.

Before the arrival of this new technology, called "spinal navigation," surgery had to be performed using fluoroscopy and required numerous radiographic acquisitions, significantly irradiating the patient, nursing staff, and the surgeon, as well as their scrub nurse and assistant.

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The advantages obtained from spinal navigation are numerous:

1. It allows for surgery with limited radiation for the patient and none for the surgeon, their assistant, and the nursing staff, because most of the intervention is performed without needing to acquire images via fluoroscopy, and the placement of material is done under guided imaging control. The implantation of material can also be done via a robotic arm that will position itself exactly where the implant needs to be placed.

2. The precision provided by this technology is superior to that obtained during classic surgery, which increases the chances of success of the intervention and reduces the risk of surgical complications.

3. The minimally invasive surgical procedure is therefore made safer and more effective, thus allowing for faster recovery and an earlier return to the patient's activities.

This technology therefore allows the surgeon to be more precise in their actions and to minimize the risk of complications, while significantly limiting the radiation dose for the patient, healthcare staff, and themselves. Furthermore, it perfectly complements the minimally invasive procedure performed by the surgeon, allowing the patient faster recovery and an earlier return to their activities.