ORTHOPAEDIC ROBOTICS TO ASSIST WITH KNEE SURGERIES AT MERCYASCOT PRIVATE HOSPITALS

12 April 2022

MercyAscot Private Hospitals is delighted to announce that their orthopaedic surgeons will be among the first in the world to access the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution – a robotic surgical assistant for knee replacement surgery developed by DePuy Synthes, The Orthopaedics Company of Johnson & Johnson.

“MercyAscot is committed to delivering world-class healthcare and great outcomes for our patients,” says Dr Ian England, Chief Executive at MercyAscot Private Hospitals.

“Being world-class includes equipping specialists with state-of-the art technology – like the robotic-assisted solution – that will benefit their patients.”

Dr Mark Clatworthy, [i] a leading orthopaedic knee specialist who operates at MercyAscot, has worked closely with DePuy Synthes on the development of the robotic-assisted solution, including using the technology for the first time in the world at Ascot Hospital in Auckland.

Surgeons are increasingly using robotics to support their procedures, and the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution for knee surgery is an exciting new development for a number of reasons.

- It is a first-of-its-kind table-mounted solution, with an efficient design that integrates into any operating room.
-  The system adapts to the surgeon’s workflow, is designed to give them the control they are used to, and helps them execute accurate bony cuts.[ii]
-  Every knee is different, and it allows the surgeon to individualise the total knee joint replacement to match the variable bony anatomy and soft tissue envelope of the patient’s knee. This patient-specific technique enables the surgeon to tailor the alignment of the knee replacement to the patient’s anatomy.
-  It works exclusively with the ATTUNE Knee System, which studies have shown can improve clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes, as well as contribute to a shorter length of stay in hospital. [iii] [iv] [v] [vi]

In the first week of March, Dr Clatworthy used the robotic-assisted solution at Ascot Hospital for the first time outside of clinical trials, with four surgeries completed.

“The VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution for knee procedures is accurate, fast and efficient. We can plan the optimal position for the implant, and then use the robotic-assisted solution to execute the plan.”

Every year, MercyAscot specialists perform more than 900 knee replacement surgeries for patients, which means the robotic-assisted solution will be in high demand.

“We’re really excited to have this ground-breaking, next generation technology available in our operating theatres at MercyAscot,” says Loureen Nair, MercyAscot Theatre Manager.

“Our theatre team were privileged to support Dr Mark Clatworthy with his first four surgeries at Ascot Hospital.

ENDS

Notes:

[i] Dr Mark Clatworthy is a design surgeon and a paid consultant of an affiliate of DePuy Synthes.
[ii] Doan G, Curtis P, Wyss J, Clary C. Resection Accuracy Improved during Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty – a Cadaveric Study. Internal Report 103720852.
[iii] Doan G, Curtis P, Wyss J, Clary C. Resection Accuracy Improved during Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty – a Cadaveric Study. Internal Report 103720852.
[iv] Hamilton W, Brenkel I, Barnett S, et al. Comparison of P.F.C. SIGMA to ATTUNE: A Prospective, Multicenter Study. Podium Presentation at the Closed Meeting of the Knee Society, Sept 2018, St Louis, MO, USA. 2018.
[v] Fisher D, Parkin D. Optimizing the Value of Your Patients’ TKA: How to Leverage Data from Patient Reported Outcomes, Becker’s Hospital Review, webinar recording, Oct 2019, www.ATTUNEevidence.com/clinical-evidence, last accessed 10-18-19.
[vi] Ranawat CS, White PB, West S, Ranawat AS. Clinical and Radiographic Results of ATTUNE and PFC SIGMA Knee Designs at 2-Year Follow-Up: A Prospective Matched-Pair Analysis. J Arthroplasty 2017; 32:431-6.