Next-Gen Spine Surgery Debuts At Sunway Medical Centre

14 May 2025

Leading the way in medical innovation, Sunway Medical Centre in Sunway City has become the first hospital in Southeast Asia to launch the AiBLE™ Spine Surgical Suite. This pioneering robotic-guided system is designed to improve the accuracy and safety of spinal surgeries, offering hope to patients suffering from debilitating back conditions.

Back pain, particularly low back pain (LBP), is a widespread health issue globally and in Malaysia. According to the World Health Organisation, LBP affected 619 million people worldwide in 2020, with projections rising to 843 million by 2050. It is the leading cause of disability, especially among those aged 50 to 55, impacting a significant portion of the Malaysian population.

Spinal surgery is inherently complex due to the spine’s three-dimensional structure and proximity to critical neurovascular components. The AiBLE™ Spine Surgical Suite integrates several advanced systems: The Spine Robotic Guidance System, the StealthStation™ S8 Surgical Navigation System, and the O-arm™ Imaging System-to offer multiple patient benefits.

These include enhanced accuracy through real-time imaging and advanced guidance. Recovery is quicker, thanks to minimally invasive techniques and high-speed drilling that reduce tissue damage and postoperative pain. 

The system also helps lower the risk of complications during and after surgery through precise navigation. In addition, it reduces radiation exposure for both patients and surgical teams.

One of the major advantages of AiBLE™ is that it enables surgeons to plan the procedure in detail before entering the operating theatre using a 3d model of the patient’s spine. During the operation, the system’s real-time guidance allows for highly precise manoeuvring, ultimately improving the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.

The AiBLE™ system is complemented by SMC’s advanced MRI and CT imaging capabilities, enhancing the multidisciplinary team’s ability to diagnose and treat complex spinal conditions effectively.

Beyond spinal surgeries, the AiBLE™ system is versatile and supports cranial, orthopaedic, ENT, and trauma-related procedures, broadening its clinical applications and reinforcing SMC’s commitment to integrating advanced medical technologies.

Consultant Spine Surgeon Dr Saw Lim Beng said, “The AiBLE™ Spine Surgical Suite sets a new benchmark for spinal surgery. It allows us to plan with greater precision, make smaller incisions, and reduce the risk of complications. The visibility it provides during surgery minimises soft tissue damage, helping patients recover faster and return to daily life sooner. We’ve already completed over 50 successful procedures using AiBLE™.”

Dato’ Lau Beng Long, President of Sunway Healthcare Group, emphasised that the introduction of the AiBLE Spine Surgical Suite exemplifies SMC’s dedication to advancing patient care through innovative, patient-centred technology. This milestone marks SMC as a pioneer in adopting this technology in Southeast Asia.

Source: Business Today

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