Synaptive Medical, a medical device company relentlessly pursuing connections to transform the process of care, announced the first brain surgery in Georgia at Grady Health System using their BrightMatter technology.

Dr. Gustavo Pradilla, Chief of Neurosurgery for Grady and Associate Professor at Emory University School of Medicine performed two brain surgeries with Synaptive’s technology. The first was an aneurysm clipping, where BrightMatter provided visualization of critical anatomy during the procedure. The second was a glioblastoma that was removed while navigating patient-specific tractography. BrightMatter provides physicians like Dr. Pradilla with the latest integrated advancements in surgical visualization for planning complex brain surgery, including navigation and optics integration.

“BrightMatter provided an incomparable view of the surgical field for both our vascular and tumor cases. This innovative technology will be an important tool in taking Grady’s neurosurgical care to an even higher level,” said Pradilla.

As part of their pre-surgical planning, Dr. Pradilla and his surgical team used BrightMatter Plan to visualize the patient’s white matter brain tracts and map an optimal approach. The software uses an imaging method called diffusion tensor imaging, or DTI, to visualize the entire brain’s pathways, allowing physicians to consider approaches for navigating around critical structures in neurological surgery.

In the operating room, Synaptive’s integrated imaging and navigation systems allow physicians to see details that can’t be seen with the naked eye or a standard MRI, and may allow access to brain locations previously deemed inoperable. The automatic positioning system with an attached camera follows the physician’s tools, showing an image of the patient’s anatomy with unprecedented detail. This robotic arm includes a hands-free optical visualization system that allows for better surgical ergonomics, facilitates collaboration with operating room staff, and consumes less surgical time by avoiding the need to manipulate cumbersome optics.

Grady, one of the busiest Level I trauma centers in the country, was the first hospital in Georgia to acquire Synaptive’s BrightMatter technology in July 2016. Internationally recognized for their neurosurgical care in brain tumors and stroke, the hospital is focused on bringing innovative technology that enhances patient care and supports the needs of physicians to provide optimal outcomes.

“Synaptive Medical’s culture is deeply rooted in connecting with neurosurgeons to better understand their challenges in the operating room across the process of care,” said President Cameron Piron. “We have a history of collaboration with Dr. Gustavo Pradilla and are pleased to support him and his team in this important milestone. Understanding how BrightMatter is used in the operating rooms fuels our product development work and helps us to design better integrated solutions. Together, we want to solve the pervasive technical, clinical and research challenges in neurosurgical imaging and create wider options and better outcomes for patients.”