The NextAR™ system, developed by Medacta, is designed as a cutting-edge innovation in surgical assistance. It relies on a preoperative CT scan, from which crucial information is extracted to create a 3D model of the knee and patient-specific preoperative guides. Based on this information, the surgeon can accurately assess the anatomy of the knee and thus plan the extent of damaged cartilage and bone to be removed in order to determine the optimal positioning for the prosthesis.
Greater Personalization in Knee Replacement Surgery
This technology thus enables surgeons, based on the guidance provided by NextAR™, to plan and perform knee replacement surgery in a manner that is increasingly tailored to each patient’s anatomy. The goal is to provide each patient with care that allows them to forget, as much as possible, that they have a knee replacement.
“At Hôpital de La Tour, we always strive to stay at the forefront of innovation, for the benefit of our patients,” says Rodolphe Eurin, CEO of Hôpital de La Tour. “The approach of Dr. Alves is in line with this philosophy, enabling those who need a knee prosthesis to benefit from first-rate care, allowing them to quickly return to their normal activities. ”
Visual support throughout the operation
During the operation, the surgeon wears a pair of augmented reality glasses, through which he can view all the information necessary for the procedure while maintaining a full view of the patient and the surgical field. Thanks to NextAR™, the surgeon can make adjustments during the operation without relying on bulky external equipment that is invasive for the patient. This improves ergonomics, precision, and efficiency.
Through the glasses, the surgeon sees, for example, a diagram showing the optimal positioning of the prosthesis, as well as all the information needed to refine its placement, based on data collected before the surgery. Two sensors positioned above and below the joint continuously and precisely track the movement of the femur and tibia across the entire range of motion of the knee.
The surgeon’s expertise remains central
The technology supports the surgeon’s skills and expertise. Dr. Philippe Alves, drawing on his extensive experience and having performed hundreds of surgeries, is actively involved in the system’s ongoing improvement.
“Using these state-of-the-art techniques requires that the surgeon have solid knowledge and experience in surgical procedures,” emphasizes Dr. Alves. “These new technologies do not make any decisions: they assist the surgeon in performing precise maneuvers at every stage. Their use should be viewed as one additional factor in achieving a good outcome. It is part of the comprehensive, multidisciplinary care of the patient—an area in which Hôpital de La Tour strives to excel in every respect, and which is one of its greatest strengths.”
Following this initial success, the technology was used for the first time on Tuesday, June 29, by PD Dr. med. Alexandre Lädermann, a shoulder surgeon. This cutting-edge solution is thus establishing itself as an indispensable tool for our orthopedic surgeons.
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