Windham Begins Spinal Surgery with New Guidance System

Norwich, CT – Last week, the Windham Hospital Operating Room introduced the Globus ExcelsiusGPS™, a new, sophisticated surgical guidance system for spine procedures. Windham is the second hospital in eastern Connecticut to use the advanced technology, which is also in place at Backus Hospital.

The ExcelsiusGPS™ brings an even greater level of precision to surgeons performing spine surgery and the patients they serve. The robotic-assisted navigation system used by surgeons during a procedure, in real time, is designed specifically to make surgery safer and help surgeons ensure a more precise placement of implants and hardware. The technology also facilitates minimally-invasive spine procedures, which normally involve more radiation exposure. These type of procures are often linked to less blood loss, less muscle damage, and a faster recovery.

“It’s all about providing the best possible care for the patient. The Globus Excelsius robot has revolutionary technology that allows us to place spinal implants with the greatest degree of accuracy during surgery,” said Daniel George, MD, who performed the first procedure on the ExcelsiusGPS™ at Windham. “It is exciting to know that we have this unbelievable resource available at Windham Hospital to assist us in providing the highest level of care for our patients when they need spinal surgery.”

The introduction of the technology is the latest step taken in Hartford HealthCare’s East Region, which includes Backus and Windham, to ensure that patients can receive advanced specialty care closer to home.

 “We are committed to providing the highest quality of care for our patients, and believe that technology is a true partner in care. It helps our talented experts improve outcomes, enhance quality and deliver an exceptional experience for our patients,” says Donna Handley, president of the East Region.

Windham Hospital
Windham Hospital is a 130-bed, not-for-profit acute care community hospital in Willimantic that provides state-of-the-art, comprehensive medical services to the people living in its 19-town service area in the northeast corner of Connecticut. For more than 75 years, Windham has offered emergency care with access to advanced care via LIFESTAR helicopter services, in partnership with Hartford Hospital, primary care, wound care, Mako robotic-arm assisted hip and knee replacement services, Globus ExcelsiusGPS™ surgical guidance system for spine procedures, a comprehensive cancer program affiliated with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, minimally-invasive surgery using the daVinci® surgical robot, advanced cardiology care and services for the geriatric population through the Center for Healthy Aging.