Siemens Healthineers integrates trackerless spinal guidance software into Cios Spin

GERMANY—Siemens Healthineers has integrated Vuze spinal guidance software into its Cios Spin mobile C-arm system to support more precise spinal surgery.

The company plans to extend the technology to its other 2D mobile, 3D mobile, and 3D robotic C-arm systems.

The software supports K-wire placement for pedicle screws by combining preoperative computed tomography (CT) or intraoperative cone-beam CT (CBCT) images with real-time X-ray images.

Unlike conventional navigation systems, Vuze does not require external tracking equipment such as optical cameras, instrument markers or reference frames attached to the patient.

Supporting minimally invasive spine surgery

Demand for spinal surgery continues to grow as populations age and lifestyle related risk factors, including physical inactivity, obesity and physical strain, contribute to degenerative spinal conditions.

In the United States, the population aged 65 and older is projected to reach 82 million by 2050, up from 58 million in 2022.

At the same time, spine care is increasingly shifting toward minimally invasive procedures, which can reduce tissue damage, blood loss and recovery times. Procedure volumes in the US increased by an estimated 18.7% over the past year.

Accurate surgical guidance is particularly important because misplaced pedicle screws can cause neurological, vascular or visceral injuries and may affect implant stability.

Pooled data indicate that navigated techniques can achieve median placement accuracy of up to 95%, compared with 92% for fluoroscopy alone.

However, advanced navigation systems can require additional equipment, setup time and costs. Vuze aims to provide navigation capabilities without adding these requirements to existing surgical workflows.

“Our goal is to close the gap between conventional fluoroscopy and advanced optical navigation systems,” said Peter Seitz, head of image-guided surgery and robotics at Siemens Healthineers.

“With Vuze, we expand what mobile C-arms can do in the operating room without adding complexity,” he added.

Integrating guidance into existing workflows

Vuze provides intraoperative guidance for K-wire placement during pedicle screw procedures.

Pedicle screws are metal implants used to anchor and stabilize the spine while the bones heal.

The software combines preoperative 3D planning with intraoperative fluoroscopy to provide continuous image guidance during surgery.

 Siemens Healthineers designed the technology to work with C-arm systems already used in operating rooms, potentially reducing the need for additional navigation equipment.

Professor Veit Braun, head of neurosurgery at Diakonie Klinikum Jung-Stilling in Siegen, Germany, has extensively tested the software.

“For 30 years, I have been waiting for a spinal navigation system without tracking tools that fits into the way I already work,” Braun said.

“Vuze may in the future deliver that: no separate workflow, no instrument trackers, no reference frames, no cameras and no line of sight requirements.”

Siemens Healthineers acquired Vuze last year following a long term collaboration between the two companies.

Stefan Assmann, senior director of Startup Connect at Siemens Healthineers, said the collaboration had helped the teams validate the combined solution and establish a foundation for future strategic decisions.

“This journey highlights how successful acquisitions are often rooted in successful partnerships first,” he said.

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