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Written by WVHC Staff Writer
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Wednesday, 16 September 2009 15:56 |
 Wilkes-Barre General Hospital has recently become just the fourth site in the nation to utilize an advanced orthopedic surgery system that gives surgeons unprecedented accuracy in positioning artificial joint implants.
The PiGalileo™ system uses a computer-automated mechanical guide to aid the surgeon in implant placement. Miniaturized robotics guide and manipulate instruments for precise alignment during the procedure.
Veteran orthopedic surgeon Michael Raklewicz, M.D., became the first local physician to use the new PiGalileo™ system, designed and manufactured by the medical technology firm Smith & Nephew. According to Raklewicz, the system’s simplicity and automation decreases the time the patient spends in the operating room, thereby increasing the safety of the patient.
“When performing a total knee replacement, alignment is key,” he said. “This new system continually monitors the position of the patient’s leg in three dimensions, so the surgeon knows exactly when the implants are aligned correctly.”
During knee replacement surgery, the PiGalileo™ system automatically senses landmarks on both the patient’s femur and tibia. Special markers on the surgical instruments enable the computer to precisely track the instruments’ position as they are attached to the leg bones. Based on the patient’s unique physiology, the computer calculates the optimal position for placement of the knee implants.
The orthopedic surgeon remains in control of the procedure at all times, choosing when and where to secure the implants, based on the computer’s guidance.
“This system greatly increases the accuracy of implant placement,” said Raklewicz.
“From the patient’s perspective, that’s one of the most important factors in ensuring a successful recovery.” |
