Realists Training Technologies GmbH – Enhancing Spinal Surgery Education with Polaris Vicra® Optical Navigation Solutions

Realists GmbH Integrates NDI Polaris Vicra to Enhance Spinal Surgery Training

Realists GmbH is a global provider of lifelike surgical training systems to improve patient outcomes in the field of spinal surgery. Realists has integrated the NDI Polaris Vicra into their Realists Imaging product to simulate X-ray imaging for the navigation and placement of pedicle screws or cages, as in a real operation.

Vikash Goel and Team Revolutionize Vascular Surgery with Centerline’s IOPS

Vikash Goel, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Centerline Biomedical, was part of a team of engineers at Cleveland Clinic dedicated to advancing technologies behind minimally invasive vascular surgery. He and his colleagues were deeply immersed in the surgical environment. They saw the need to create an innovative solution to address technical challenges and reduce patient and practitioner radiation exposure.

Determined to make a difference, and leveraging advanced training in computer science, computer graphics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and biomedical engineering, the team invented Centerline’s innovative Intra-Operative Positioning System (IOPS). Having developed sophisticated image processing and mapping algorithms and seen the power of electromagnetic navigation in electrophysiology and bronchoscopy procedures, they conceived of IOPS as a 3D surgical and interventional navigation technology to provide practitioners with an intuitive 3D map for real-time non- radiation-based navigation of catheters, and guidewires. This map is derived from a patient’s computed tomography (CT) scan data and fused with real-time imaging. For the underlying electromagnetic tracking technology, they partnered with NDI (Northern Digital Inc), an industry leader with over 40 years of expertise and innovation in optical and electromagnetic navigation technology.

“NDI’s experience and technical precision allow us to develop and deliver an excellent solution to our customers and make surgeon training more flexible and available.”

Dr. Luis Bernal
CEO and Founder
Realists Training Technologies GmbH

The Need for Navigation

One of the key components of the Realists portfolio is Realist Imaging. This solution provides radiation-free X-ray simulation exclusively for surgical training with Realists products. A flexible and precise solution was required to simulate fluoroscopy based on image guidance tracking.

The Solution – Polaris Vicra

Realists selected the Vicra optical navigation system for both its precision and NDI’s integration support.

The Result

The Polaris Vicra allows the Realists Imaging Software to simulate fluoroscopic images of the structures of the RealSpine Patients (synthetic patients with bones, soft tissue, and fluids) without the need for expensive X-ray equipment. Vicra enables Realists to create an authentic simulation and training environment to educate users in the use of different medical instruments like screwdrivers for pedicle and lateral mass screws, implant devices for cages, or endoscopic instrumentation.

The integration of NDI during the software development process was easy due to the availability of NDI’s well-documented APIs.

“NDI was the first option for Realist because it is a solution that is already established on the market with a good support. Technically NDI offer us the precision that we need in order to have a very realistic simulation of patient and instruments for training.”

Dr. Luis Bernal
CEO and Founder
Realists Training Technologies GmbH

Why Partner with NDI?

NDI is proud to be the industry pioneer and world’s leading manufacturer of optical measurement and electromagnetic tracking technology solutions. In fact, nearly 90% of all surgical navigation systems on the market incorporate our technologies. Our solutions are designed with ease and speed of integration in mind, boasting flexible customization options to meet your most challenging tracking requirements. NDI – the partner of choice to help bring your tracking applications—and industry breakthroughs—to market.

Download the Case Study: Transforming Spinal Surgery Training with Realists GmbH and NDI’s Polaris Vicra®”

Presented by Realists GmbH and NDI

Experience how Realists GmbH transforms spinal surgery training with NDI’s Polaris Vicra® Optical Navigation System. The RealSpine Training System offers lifelike anatomical simulations, allowing practitioners to navigate and simulate fluoroscopic images without radiation. Enhance your skills with realistic training environments. Download our case study to learn more.