Case Study: Orthopaedic Surgical Navigation
Merge OEM engineers develop imageless knee surgery solution
Expertise in surgical navigation and computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery (CAOS) enable knee replacement system
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A major OEM wanted a surgical navigation system that didn't rely on any form of imaging in order to streamline the workflow of total knee replacement operations and spare the patient from an unnecessary radiation dose.
On the strength of Merge OEM's reputation and expertise in the area of computer assisted orthopaedic surgery Merge was selected to develop and deliver this new product where some of the world's most renowned experts in CAOS worked for Merge.
The proposed system would be imageless, using "localization" information from position sensors to feed position and orientation data to the computer. The software would assess and analyse the geometries of the patient's anatomy, and guide the surgeon in making the precise incisions and placements of joint replacement implants. The software would provide a "heads-up" display of information and graphics to show the surgeon how the geometries of the procedures were looking.
Merge OEM engineers worked in the early stages of the project with simulation programs, mechanical jigs and computer models to help define this innovative system. A key aspect involved development of a hip center determination algorithm that worked with a single marker on the femur. Graphical user interface innovations included a method to display the tracked positions with detailed, custom-designed medical illustrations and graphics to guide the surgeon's work as safely and efficiently as possible.
In knee replacement surgeries at clinical sites, the GUI demonstrated excellent workflow for surgeons.
According to our OEM partner, the project was a great success, with the system evolving from the beginning to the first version in just nine months – on time and on budget. Today, the system is one of the OEM's best selling products and a flagship application.