Kauvery Hospital Introduces Chennai's First AI-Powered O-ARM Surgical Navigation System

The O-ARM Surgical Imaging System is a mobile, AI-enabled platform that provides real-time 2D and 3D imaging during surgery.

Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet, a unit of the Kauvery Group of Hospitals, has launched Chennai's first O-ARM with Navigation System—an advanced AI-powered surgical imaging platform designed to transform the way complex brain, spine, and orthopedic surgeries are performed.

Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, officially inaugurated the technology at a launch event held at the hospital.

Next-Gen Imaging for Enhanced Surgical Accuracy

The O-ARM Surgical Imaging System is a mobile, AI-enabled platform that provides real-time 2D and 3D imaging during surgery.

With capabilities similar to those of a CT scanner, it offers 360-degree views of the operative field, allowing surgeons to make more informed and precise decisions in real-time.

This innovation is expected to significantly enhance surgical outcomes, reduce complications, and improve patient safety.

Seamlessly integrated with the StealthStation Navigation system—a GPS-like technology for the human body—the O-ARM enables surgeons to navigate intricate anatomical regions accurately.

This is particularly crucial in delicate procedures such as spinal surgeries, where precision is critical.

Transforming Neurosurgical Standards

Highlighting the system's impact, Dr. Ranganathan Jothi, Chief Brain and Spine Surgeon and Director of Neurosciences at Kauvery Hospital Chennai, emphasized the technology's game-changing nature.

"As neurosurgeons, we operate in regions where even a millimeter matters. The O-ARM provides a real-time 3D map that enhances our surgical accuracy. It allows us to perform complex procedures—such as spinal deformity corrections, tumor resections, and minimally invasive interventions—with greater confidence and safety," he said.

Dr. Krish Sridhar, Group Mentor Neurosciences and Director of Kauvery Institute of Brain & Spine added, "The O-ARM with Stealth Navigation represents a paradigm shift in neurosurgery. It ensures better surgical planning and real-time verification, allowing for lower-risk procedures and faster recovery for patients. This isn't just about being first—it's about advancing patient-centric care."

Reducing Surgical Risk & Enhancing Recovery

For patients, the benefits of the O-ARM are significant. The real-time feedback reduces time under anesthesia and supports quicker recovery by enabling less invasive surgical approaches.

"In neurosurgery, precision is everything. The ability to confirm alignment and implant placement on the spot minimizes complications and improves overall outcomes," said Dr. Shyam Sundhar, Senior Consultant Neurosurgery at Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet.

The system also plays a critical role in spinal procedures. Dr. Balamurali, Head of Spine Surgery at Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet, noted that the spine, being one of the most delicate parts of the human body, demands the highest degree of surgical accuracy.

"Any error during spine surgery can have long-lasting effects on a patient's quality of life. With the O-ARM, we eliminate much of that uncertainty. This technology—compatible with robotic spine surgery, AI, and virtual reality—is among the best in the world and marks a new era for spinal care in India."

Broad Applications Across Specialties

The O-ARM is not limited to spine and neurosurgery. It also enhances precision in orthopedic procedures, including pelvic fracture management, joint revision surgeries, complex bone reconstructions, and tumor removals requiring meticulous excision.

In neurosurgery, it supports procedures involving deep brain lesions, skull base reconstruction, and cranial trauma management. For spinal care, its applications include spinal fusion, scoliosis correction, disc replacement, and tumor resections.

Speaking about the hospital's vision, Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director of Kauvery Group of Hospitals, reaffirmed the group's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for better patient outcomes.

"With the introduction of the O-ARM Surgical Imaging System—the first in Chennai—we are prioritizing what matters most: patient safety. This technology improves surgical precision and reduces risk, ensuring faster post-operative recovery," he said.

He added, "We are proud to bring this global standard of care to Chennai. The integration of such innovations with compassionate clinical practices reflects our ongoing mission to provide the most advanced healthcare services to our community."

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