Bengaluru Doctor completes 1000 minimally invasive knee replacements with small incision computer navigation technology

The navigational surgery is safer than conventional technique, especially in patients with high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus. This unique knee replacement surgery is more secure for patients who have undergone angioplasty or cardiac bypass surgeries and also in patients who had pacemaker surgery for heart.

HOW IT WORKS

In Navigation, the surgeon uses a computer to determine the spatial location of conventional instruments and to provide positional feedback regarding their use. The navigation system is typically made up of -

• Camera watching the sterile field


• Trackers attached to the patient and the instruments


• Display Screen feeding back to the surgeon

Navigation works like a satellite navigation system in your car or a GPS system used by a mountaineer. During a surgery, trackers attached to the patient send a signal. The camera catches this signal and the position is then identified on the patient specific anatomy map. The surgeon has a screen which gives out information they need about where they are and what they are doing.

Normally while placing an implant during a knee replacement surgery, a surgeon has to depend solely on his calculations and skills to ensure the right fitment. Navigation helps the surgeon navigate, allowing them to plan the steps much ahead, thus bringing in accuracy which ensures better alignment and positioning of the implant. This results in minimal complications and reduced blood loss. From patient's point of view, this technology promotes increased flexibility and longevity and promotes a better gait while walking and doing chores. Due to high accuracy, implant life will last for more number of years than conventional knee replacement surgeries.