Few medical specialties demand millimeter‑level accuracy as consistently as neurosurgery. Margins around delicate nerves, blood vessels, and spinal structures leave little room for guesswork. GNS Surgery Center in Athens embraces that challenge with an innovative intra‑operative platform: the O‑Arm Surgical Imaging System integrated with StealthStation™ navigation. Combined technologies create a detailed, real‑time map of a patient’s anatomy, assisting surgeons in positioning implants, removing tumors, or stabilizing the spine. Individual outcomes vary, yet published studies suggest navigation paired with O‑Arm imaging may improve accuracy and support patient safety during complex procedures.
Understanding O‑Arm Imaging
The O‑Arm system resembles a donut‑shaped ring that can open and close around the operating table. Once in place, the machine acquires high‑resolution two‑ and three‑dimensional images similar to a CT scan. The software then reconstructs those images into a 3D model visible on linked monitors. Surgeons at GNS Surgery Center merge the model with StealthStation navigation, allowing instruments to appear as colored icons moving inside the patient’s virtual anatomy. The platform provides a large field of view while maintaining surgical workflow efficiency.
Traditional fluoroscopy supplies two‑dimensional views, often requiring multiple images from different angles. O-arm imaging offers an immediate 360‑degree perspective, potentially reducing the need for repeated X‑ray shots. Dose‑management protocols still apply, and the surgical team tailors exposure settings for each case.
How O‑Arm Imaging Integrates with StealthStation Navigation
Pre‑operative scans or intra‑operative O‑Arm images feed into the StealthStation workstation, which recognizes bony landmarks and calibrates instrument trackers. Optical or electromagnetic cameras pick up reference arrays attached to the patient and surgical tools. Instrument tips then register on‑screen in real-time, helping the surgeon identify precise entry points and trajectories.
GNS Surgery Center’s Athens team uses this synergy for cranial tumor resections, cervical or lumbar fusion, and deformity corrections. Research published in Spine Journal reports that navigation with O‑Arm imaging can lead to higher pedicle‑screw placement accuracy than navigation supported by 3D C‑arm fluoroscopy, although both systems demonstrate strong performance.
Potential Benefits for Patients
Careful wording matters because every surgical plan is unique. Nevertheless, peer‑reviewed investigations and surgeon experience highlight several advantages O‑Arm imaging may provide:
- Enhanced implant placement accuracy. One study noted accuracy rates as high as 96 percent for pedicle screws placed with O‑Arm guidance, surpassing freehand or standard fluoroscopic techniques.
- Intra‑operative verification. Surgeons confirm hardware position before closing, which can reduce the likelihood of revision procedures down the road.
- Streamlined workflow. Real‑time 3D imaging may shorten anesthesia time because fewer repositionings and image acquisitions are necessary.
Most patients will not notice the technology, yet they often appreciate shorter operating room durations and a lower chance of return trips to correct hardware placement.
O‑Arm Imaging vs. Conventional Fluoroscopy: A Brief Comparison
Fluoroscopy remains highly useful for many orthopedic and neurosurgical tasks; however, O‑Arm imaging offers three characteristics not easily duplicated by 2D X‑ray:
- Volumetric data. A CT‑like scan allows surgeons to instantly view axial, sagittal, and coronal planes.
- Navigation integration. Instrument tracking superimposes on the patient’s anatomy, guiding depth and angle.
- Immediate confirmation. A closing scan helps validate goals without transporting the patient to radiology.
Choosing Your Path Forward
Deciding on neurosurgical treatment involves weighing benefits, risks, and personal goals. O‑Arm imaging and StealthStation navigation are powerful tools designed to assist surgeons in achieving the precision delicate structures demand. Questions about candidacy, recovery timeline, or insurance coverage deserve clear answers.
Schedule a consultation with the GNS Surgery Center team in Athens to explore whether an operation supported by O‑Arm imaging aligns with your needs. Personalized insights can help you achieve relief, function, and renewed confidence.
Sources
Medtronic. “O‑Arm™ Surgical Imaging System Overview.” | https://europe.medtronic.com/xd-en/healthcare-professionals/products/neurological/surgical-imaging-systems/o-arm.html
Li Y et al. “Comparison of Accuracy in C1–C2 Pedicle Screw Placement: O‑Arm, 3D Guides, and C‑Arm Fluoroscopy.” Scientific Reports (2025). | https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-99884-y.pdf
Elsevier. “The Role of Intraoperative Image Guidance Systems in Spinal Instrumentation.” World Neurosurgery (2020). | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33181376/
Pasquier P et al. “O‑Arm‑Assisted Pedicle Screw Placement Accuracy: Systematic Review.” Journal of Spine Surgery (2019). | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4300877/
Tabaraee R et al. “Radiation Exposure Using O‑Arm Compared With Conventional Fluoroscopy in Multilevel Lumbar Fusion.” Spine (2013). | https://upload.orthobullets.com/journalclub/free_pdf/29019807_29019807.pdf
