Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital Surgeon First to Use X-Ray Vision, SPY-PHI

Tucson – Imagine having X-ray vision, like Superman. Just last week, Dr. Yousef Odeh, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery was the first in Tucson to use the SPY-PHI portable handheld imaging system during a procedure which turned him into a superhero for his patient. 

 Utilizing this little device did a lot of heavy lifting for Dr. Odeh. With a squeeze of a button, he was able to immediately see how well the patient’s blood was flowing through their heart and circulatory system. 

 Why? Dr. Odeh’s use of this surgical tool increases efficiency in the operating room, reducing the time the patient is under anesthesia, and hastens how quickly they could be moved to recovery. It’s a minimally invasive surgical camera tower that can be utilized in a variety of specialties and surgical procedures. 

 “Being able to have the SPY-PHI available during coronary artery bypass grafting is revolutionary. Any tool that provides further precision of any already complex surgery is helpful in assuring patient safety and quality patient outcomes. With the help of SPY-PHI we are making that become a reality,” said Odeh.

 SPY-PHI, or Stryker’s new 1799 Camera Platform, can be used to assist surgeons far beyond general surgery; it lends a helping hand in orthopedic, ear nose and throat, neurosurgery, urologic pediatric, and thoracic surgeries.

“Carondelet’s impacts on our community continue to shine through the use of new medical technologies right here in Tucson. Our investments and efforts are aimed at improving patient outcomes while they regain their health and wellness,” says David Ziolkowski, CEO Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital.