Blount Co. surgeons use rare robot to practice procedures

BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Some doctors in East Tennessee are getting life-saving experience by using a state of the art robot.

Neurosurgeons at Blount Memorial Hospital take the Mazor X robot for a spin anywhere from three to five times each week to practice different spinal surgeries.

"We're very grateful to have the hospital's support,"

Dr. Edward Akeyson said.

Don't worry, hospital officials say the robot is just for practice and has not been used on patients. Dr. Akeyson said the goal of the practice robot is to make spinal operations less risky for future patients.

While health professionals practice, the robot arm guides surgeons to improve precision.

"It's for placement of screws in the spine which helps us stabilize the spine. It allows us to very precisely and accurately place those screws,"

Dr. Akeyson said.

Right now, the robot has only been used to practice on lower back procedures like fracture treatment, aging, instability, or even scoliosis.

Before the mock operation begins, surgeons will download their scenario into the robot, basically practicing a patient's surgery before it even happens.

"The advantage is better success for the patient, better outcome, lower risk and once you become familiar with it, reduction in operative time,"

Dr. Akeyson said.

"Only a few hospitals have them currently."

The technology makes East Tennessee stand out since it's one of the only places in the country with the nearly $1 million robot.