New fiber optic technology gives surgeons a safer picture during invasive procedures

WORCESTER, MA, UNITED STATES, May 18, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Surgeons at UMass Memorial Medical Center are the first in the United States to perform a minimally invasive complex aortic aneurysm repair with a new technology that uses fiber optic cable imaging instead of XRAY radiation. Fiber Optic RealShape (FORS) is an imaging technology, that markedly reduces radiation doses during endovascular procedures.

FORS uses fiberoptic cable deformation instead of radiation for three-dimensional tracking of wires, catheters and other invasive clinical devices. The FORS technology minimizes radiation exposure for the patient and providers while giving doctors crystal clear images inside the patient’s body.

On Wednesday, May 5, FORS was used for a 71 -year old male patient undergoing a FEVAR procedure to repair a large thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. The procedure was successful and the patient is currently doing very well.

“As you know, radiation allows us to do a lot of great things but if used continuously it can pose a threat to the health of a patient and to everyone on the treatment team,” said Andres Schanzer, MD, FACS, professor and chief, Division of Vascular Surgery at UMass Memorial Medical Center. “FORS technology is a critical step towards moving away from our dependence on XRAYs and radiation while providing safe and effective minimally invasive treatments.

UMass Memorial Health is the only center in the United States with FORS capability and has already completed three procedures with two more scheduled for later this month. The latest patient received only 25 percent of the radiation normally used in this type of procedure.

UMass Memorial Health
UMass Memorial Health is the largest not-for-profit health care system in Central Massachusetts with more than 14,000 employees and 1,700 physicians, many of whom are members of UMass Memorial Medical Group. We are the clinical partner of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Our comprehensive system includes UMass Memorial Health – HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital, UMass Memorial Health – Marlborough Hospital, UMass Memorial Medical Center and UMass Memorial Health – Community Healthlink. Together, we impact every aspect of life in the region by making health and wellness services available to everyone, advocating for social equality and providing economic stability and opportunity. There are many ways to heal. We pursue them all. Relentlessly. Visit www.ummhealth.org.

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Debora Spano
UMass Memorial Health
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