Detroit VA's Orthopedic Surgery Department Completes First Robot-Assisted Hip Replacement Surgery
The successful integration of this technology into the Detroit VA Healthcare System’s service, furthers the mission of providing the best possible treatment to our nation’s Veterans.
The Mako robot created by Stryker, is the latest technology the Detroit VA Orthopedic Surgery team is using to help reduce recovery time and improve surgery outcomes. The procedure is one of the latest employed by Detroit VA surgeons to help improve the quality of life for Veterans. The process for the Mako robot begins in the pre-operative stage when the surgery team uses a CT scan to create a 3D image of the body-part that is the focus of the of the operation. This allows the surgeon size and position the implants used in the procedure.
During the surgery, the machine, driven by the operating physician, minimizes risk through its’ mapping and haptic technology, which stimulates the senses when interacting with a technology. Using the model created by the technology prior to the surgery, the robot maps the cuts required for the procedure and will stop the physician from making inaccurate cuts and nicking soft tissue.
“At the end of the day it is the patient we care about,” said Dr. Abdullah Omari, the Detroit VA Healthcare System’s Surgeon who completed the surgery. “We believe the long-term benefits of this technology will outweigh the initial investment.”
This technology is common practice in many hospitals throughout the country. The Detroit VA Healthcare system is, however, the first VA in the region to employ this type of robot.
“Our Veterans are getting an experienced surgeon who has completed procedures using this technology for several years,” said Diana Korsog, lead RN for Detroit VA’s Orthopedic Surgery Department. “We no longer need to send Veterans outside VA to have these procedures done, which helps improve results.”
The surgery was completed on Navy Veteran, Paul Joyce, who has since recovered from the surgery incredibly well.
“My experience with the VA, the providers, the nurses, and occupational therapists has been great,” said Mr. Joyce. “I have no complaints and have had no problems throughout the surgery or recovery. I felt a lot safer with knowing that Dr. Omari has done this for a long time.”
The Mako Robot is one of many technologies employed by the Detroit VA Healthcare System, for the advancement of Veteran’s care.
“We are proud to have the capability to support this technology for the improvement of our Veterans,” said Chris Cauley, Detroit VA's executive director. “The Detroit VA Healthcare System continues to evolve alongside the healthcare industry.”