Virtua First in Region To Use Innovative Spine 'Safe Zone' Technology

Virtua has achieved another milestone in its leadership in robotic surgery. It is the first in the Philadelphia region and South Jersey to provide robotic-assisted spine surgery combined with a GPS-like navigation system that enhances safety and enables better outcomes. 

The navigation software, called Spine Guidance by Stryker, enables surgeons to create "safe zones" where the surgical tools can be blocked from entering, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding structures. 

"Our decades of experience performing other types of robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery have positioned us to readily embrace new forms of the technology as they're introduced," said Dr. James Sanfilippo, vice president of clinical operations for musculoskeletal services at Virtua.

Robotic-assisted spine surgery with Spine Guidance offers increased precision, which can optimize safety, help preserve healthy tissue, reduce cutting, and make recovery faster and easier compared to other spine-surgery techniques.

"We work closely with robotic-device manufacturers, in this case Stryker, to ensure we can offer the best options to our patients across our region and beyond," noted Dr. Sanfilippo, a spine surgeon with Virtua Reconstructive Orthopedics. 

Read in ROI-NJ, and in Spanish at Quadratin.com.

In the Headlines

Renovated Mother-Baby Unit to Debut at Virtua-Lourdes Hospital
Virtua will soon open the remodeled Mother-Baby Unit at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, marking a significant milestone in the multiyear initiative to enhance the patient experience at the Camden institution, now celebrating its 75th year.

"Every detail of this renovation was guided by the needs of our patients and the people who care for them," said Dr. Chidinma Arole, lead physician for the unit. "We want families to feel supported, safe, and comforted from the moment they arrive."

The remodeled facilities include 13 modernized private rooms, upgraded bathrooms, enhanced family spaces, and other improvements that create a peaceful and inviting environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Read in BINJE.

New Risk Assessment a 'Game Changer' for People with Barrett's Esophagus
Virtua has begun offering TissueCypher^® , a groundbreaking test that helps predict a patient's personal risk of developing esophageal cancer. This is a "game changer" for people with Barrett's esophagus (BE), according to gastroenterologist Zubair Malik, MD, medical director of the Virtua Motility & GERD Program.

Virtua is the first in the region to ensure that patients with BE undergoing routine endoscopy receive this precision-medicine test for more accurate staging and personalized treatment plans.

"I truly believe that my Virtua doctors' use of TissueCypher^® has saved my life," said patient Steven Oakley, who received treatment for abnormal cells discovered by the technology. Read in BINJE.

Trump's Comments About Aspirin May Create Confusion
In a media interview, President Donald Trump said he has declined his doctors' recommendation to lower his daily 325-milligram dose of aspirin.

Virtua interventional cardiologist Rita Butler, MD, explained that daily aspirin is recommended only for certain high-risk patients and at a lower dose of 81 milligrams. It is no longer considered a safe way to prevent heart disease for the general public. 

"It can be harmful to your health because it increases the risk of bleeding," Dr. Butler explained. "You should not be taking a daily full [325-milligram] dose in any situation as a preventative measure." Watch on CBS 3.

Dietitians Help People Plan Healthy Meals From Food Pantry Items 
With the high cost of groceries and more people relying on food pantries, Virtua registered dietitians Teresa Garvey and Caroline Rudkin offered a range of tips for creating nutritious meals from canned and boxed foods.

The two work in Virtua's Eat Well Food Farmacies, which provide nutrition counseling and free groceries to those referred to the program by their Virtua-affiliated clinician. Read in NJ Biz.

Virtua Expansions Among Major Health Care Developments in South Jersey
Media stories about the most significant changes in the area's health care landscape last year included the new construction projects at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes and Virtua Mount Holly hospitals, as well as the new Oliver Station community and primary care office in Camden. Read in USA Today.

Virtua Welcomes New Members to Philanthropy Board
Virtua recently announced the appointments of two area leaders to serve on the Virtua Health Foundation Board of Trustees. Nandini Natrajan, Ph.D., has more than 25 years of experience in food safety and quality assurance, working for major food manufacturers. Michael MacKenzie, CFP, is senior vice president at PNC Private Bank.

Both trustees bring distinguished careers and strong ties to the community and Virtua. Their expertise, leadership, and passion for health care will strengthen Virtua's philanthropic efforts and help advance the organization's mission to build a healthier South Jersey. In 2025, generous donors invested $13 million in Virtua Health's programs and services. Read in BINJE.

New Medical Assistant Program Celebrates Inaugural Class
Virtua's new Medical Assistant Program recently held a graduation ceremony for its first class. The 10-week program is designed to strengthen care teams and increase access to clinical careers. 

"This initiative reduces turnover while opening doors to fulfilling health care careers," said Maryann Carter, program manager. Read in BINJE.

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