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"Sat nav" surgery first for (Solihull/West Midlands) hospital
21 March 2007
Bupa Parkway Hospital is the first in the West Midlands to introduce "sat nav" surgery for people with knee and hip problems.
The hospital has installed a new computer system which uses infra-red light to map patients’ joints more accurately and allow surgeons to be even more precise when carrying out orthopaedic surgery on knees and hips.
The new system works just like the satellite navigation system in cars. It provides accurate alignment of limbs down to measurements of just 1mm and angles of one degree, tracking the position of the patient and the surgical instruments during surgery. The computer calculates the difference in positions and displays the information on screen, allowing the surgeon to ensure that any replacement joints or implants are perfectly positioned.
The benefits to patients are clear. The improved accuracy helps to ensure joint replacements will last longer as there will be less wear. The procedure involves less invasive surgery, smaller incisions and less blood loss – leading to faster recovery times and significant reductions in potential long-term complications.
Two consultant orthopaedic surgeons at Bupa Parkway Hospital, Mr Ved Goswami and Mr Stuart Brooks, have undergone specialist training in Germany to enable them to offer the new procedure. Mr Goswami has already undertaken computer-navigated knee and hip re-surfacing procedures using the new technology.
Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Ved Goswami said: "This new technology is bringing real benefits to patients and is allowing them to return to daily activities with much shorter recovery times. I am confident that the surgery will offer increased long-term success for knee and hip joints."
Jan Lee, Business Development Manager at Bupa Hospital Parkway, said: "This is another example of Bupa Hospitals working with consultants to make the latest technology available to improve the results for our patients."
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