UCI Health spine surgeon Don Park, MD has made history by performing the world’s first endoscopic spinal fusion surgery assisted by augmented reality. Using an AR headset that displayed HD endoscopic video, MRI images, and EMR data directly in his field of vision, Park was able to enhance surgical precision and workflow without relying on multiple monitors. The procedure, performed on a patient with severe lumbar spinal stenosis and unstable spondylolisthesis, resulted in a same-day discharge and full symptom relief within three months.
This milestone underscores UCI Health leadership in the advancement of ultra-minimally invasive spine surgery. Park's work on this case was also featured in Becker's Spine Review.