Catawba Valley Health System (CVHS) has begun this summer utilizing a technique
for total hip replacement surgeries using a unique form of mixed-reality
technology called HipInsight. CVHS joins Duke University Health as the
only other organization in North Carolina to use this technology.
HipInsight is the only technology that superimposes 3D patient anatomy
directly onto the patient's body, functionally giving the surgeon
the ability to "see" the bony anatomy through the drapes, muscle, fat, etc.
HipInsight only takes a few minutes to use in surgery. After docking a
registration tool, the surgeon puts on a headset which displays the 3D
anatomy and instrumentation. Then the surgeon aligns the physical tools
with their virtual counterparts to put the implants in the correct orientation.
By displaying virtual information directly on the operative field, the
surgeon can keep his or her eyes focused on the patient, instead of looking
away at computer screens or x-rays. Increased precision when orienting
the implants on a patient-specific basis reduces the likelihood of dislocation,
wear and impingement.
“Hip replacement surgery is an incredibly successful procedure, and
surgeons are always looking for ways to improve outcomes for our patients,”
said Bradley Morgan, CVHS administrator for surgical services. “Mixed
reality is the latest innovation in orthopedics, and we're excited
to offer it to our patients.”
Traditional planning involves templating on 2D x-rays. With this new technology
surgeons go into every surgery knowing how the patient's anatomy looks
in 3D, which means they know ahead of time which implants will be the
best match for that patient. It also has the potential to help improve
Operating Room efficiency because the surgeons have all the relevant information
preoperatively.
CVHS has long dedicated itself to investing in technology that improves
outcomes and seeks to limit length of stay and increase patient satisfaction
and outcomes. For more information about HipInsight or other CVHS surgical
specialties, please visit CatawbaValleyHealth.org/Surgery.