The first cervical fusion procedure in the world using the Blackhawk Ti Cervical Spacer System was performed last week at Hudson Regional Hospital by Dr. Anders Cohen.
Cohen, who is the lead design surgeon for the device, performed the procedure just days after it was given FDA approval. He selected Hudson Regional, he said, because of the hospital’s history.
“I chose Hudson Regional Hospital because it has historically supported the use of advancing technologies in a responsible manner, and because my patients love how they are treated through the hospital’s concierge patient-relations program,” he said.
Cohen, who collaborated with ChoiceSpine LLC, the spinal device manufacturer of this technology, to simplify anterior cervical discectomy fusion procedures for surgeons and decrease patient recovery time, performed the surgery in less than 30 minutes.
The Blackhawk Ti Cervical Spacer System builds upon the Blackhawk PEEK with integrated anchor technology through a 3D-printed porous titanium technology and an updated design, which both play a role in the bone growth process during fusion.
Cohen has been partnering with ChoiceSpine LLC for 10 years on the newest iteration of this modality.
“While it’s a pretty common procedure, this technology will significantly reduce surgery time by decreasing the number of steps in the procedure and limit the patient’s exposure, resulting in less pain and quicker recovery times,” he said. “Yes, it’s less time in surgery, but it also increases the accuracy of the procedure.”
Dr. Nizar Kifaieh, CEO of Hudson Regional Hospital, said he was delighted that Cohen performed the first procedure at Hudson Regional.
“We are thrilled and honored that Dr. Cohen and his patients trust Hudson Regional Hospital and our staff to assist his first surgery following the FDA approval,” he said. “We congratulate him on this amazing accomplishment and look forward to continuing our professional relationship with him.”
Kifaieh said Hudson Regional has invested more than $40 million in improvements since taking over the facility in January 2018 to attract the best practitioners in the metro area. He said the hospital’s Institute of Robotic Surgery features the most advanced suite of surgical technologies, including the Da Vinci XI Robotic System and the ExcelsiusGPS.
