Dual Radiation Targeting System to improve surgical accuracy and lower radiation exposure

Institution:

Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo

Researchers:

Michael K. Landi, MD, while he was a medical student at University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and Robert Lifeso, MD, clinical professor of orthopedics

Impact:

DRTS™ Platform (Dual Radiation Targeting System) is a laser targeting system that improves surgical accuracy, decreases patient discomfort, reduces time in the operating room, and lowers radiation exposure for operating room personnel and patients. Originally designed for use in the orthopedic field, the innovative system has broad applications across many other specialties, including oncology and neurology. For example, it is ideal for performing minimally invasive deep-tissue biopsies done on breasts, livers or spleens.

Timeline:

In years past, accurate placement of rods and screws in bone was a common problem for orthopedic surgeons, as was the risk of excessive radiation exposure to patient and surgeon during such image-guided procedures. Even with multiple X-ray images, the methodology involved a trial-and-error approach with no guarantee of precision. The DRTS™ Platform was developed in the 1990s to overcome these problems. It received Food and Drug Administration approval in September 1997.