Virtual Surgical XR Platform at RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute Enhances Neurosurgery Precision and Planning

Technology adds a new dimension to how surgeons and patients prepare for cranial and spinal surgery

West Orange, N.J. - April 16, 2026- RWJBarnabas Health's Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) in New Brunswick and Rutgers Cancer Institute are implementing a cutting-edge extended reality (XR) platform that transforms the way neuro- and spinal surgeons prepare for, perform procedures, and educate their patients about complex conditions. This technology brings immersive 3D visualization directly into the operating room and the outpatient setting, enhancing surgical planning, precision, and patient education.

With the ability to preview a patient's anatomy and simulate surgical conditions to determine the best approach, the platform can be used across multiple surgical specialties, including complex procedures that require extraordinary precision, such as cranial, spinal, and epilepsy procedures.

"By overlaying this highly detailed, next-generation clinical technology into our existing way of preparing and performing surgery, RWJBarnabas Health is upleveling the exemplary care our surgical teams provide to the communities we serve," said Robert E. Gross, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President of Neurosurgical Services and co-lead of Neuroscience at RWJBarnabas Health and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. "Just like no patient is alike, neither is any surgery. This technology equally benefits our surgeons as it does to put our patients at ease and answer any questions they may have about how they will be operated on."

The extended reality platform uses AI to enhance MRI, CT and other imaging modalities to support clinical decisions and modernize care delivery.

"This technology can transform traditional 2D imaging into dynamic, interactive 3D models that our clinicians - as well as our patients - can examine from every angle," added Jonathan H. Sherman, MD, FAANS, FCNS, FACS, Professor of Neurosurgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Chief of Neurosurgical Oncology at Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health. "Patients can see exactly what we see, a 3D rendering of their own anatomy, and better understand our surgical plan. In the operating room, this approach ultimately results in a clearer surgical strategy, shorter operating time, reduced complications, and quicker patient recovery. We're all very excited for the outcomes it will yield," he continued.

The platform is available now at RWJUH in New Brunswick and will be available at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston later this year. This technology is just one of several RWJBarnabas Health has invested in since last year, including its Focused Ultrasound treatment for patients living with medication-refractory Essential Tremor and Parkinson's Disease.

For more information on this technology and RWJBarnabas Health's surgery offerings, please visit https://www.rwjbh.org/treatment-care/neuroscience/neurosurgery/

About RWJBarnabas Health

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.

RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate manner and is the state's largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.

RWJBarnabas Health's commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute - the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey's largest private employers, with more than 45,000 employees, contributing more than $7 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit https://www.RWJBH.org