Canyon Vista Medical Center recently introduced a new treatment option for joint pain that uses the VELYS™ robotic surgical technology for knee replacement surgeries.
Surgeon Brian Daines, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 15 years of experience performing joint replacement surgery, successfully performed the hospital’s first robotic-assisted total knee replacement with the new technology in September at CVMC. Since then, new provider Dr. Barry Bohlen, Dr. Laurence Susini and Dr. Daines have completed over 50 knee replacement surgeries with the Velys system. 99% of our knee surgeries are now done with robotic assistance.
The robotic surgical technology was made possible through a more than $550,000 technology and equipment investment. “It’s an exciting time at CVMC, as we are proud to be investing in our providers and equipment to modernize how we provide care to our community right here in Cochise County,” said Shaun Philips, chief executive officer (CEO) of CVMC. “This orthopedic robotic surgical technology is typically seen in larger hospitals and communities and having it here at CVMC means that people do not need to drive away from their friends and family--away from their home--for high-quality, advanced joint-replacement care. It is truly helping us carry out our mission of making communities healthier®.”
“The launching of the Velys Robotic- Assisted Total Knee Replacement here at CVMC is very exciting. We have the latest and greatest robotic technology to assist our orthopedic surgeons to provide the most accurate, reproducible, and personalized service to their patients,” shared Karlin Bramhall, Interim Director of Perioperative Services. “We are one of three hospitals in Arizona to offer the Velys robotic technology. Huge win for CVMC and the residents of Cochise County!”
“After I trained on the Velys robotic total knee system I had high expectations. After now using the robot, it has vastly exceeded my expectations. It is an extremely precise surgical tool allowing very accurate reproducible results. There is no going back, only forward,” Dr. Susini mentioned.
Every knee is different, as is every patient requiring a knee replacement procedure. The VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution that surgeons are using at CVMC offers the potential for a higher level of patient-specific implant alignment and positioning. The technology uses patient-specific data allowing orthopedic surgeons to create a custom joint replacement plan then perform the joint replacement procedure using a physician-controlled robotic arm that helps the surgeon execute the procedure with a high degree of accuracy. This helps to ensure predictable results to improve outcomes, increase mobility, and helps patients recover faster. The goal is for patients to have relief from their joint pain, regain mobility, and return to the activities they love.
“The system’s technology allows me to create a personalized plan based on each patient’s unique anatomy before entering the operating room,” Dr. Daines said. “During surgery, I can validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments while guiding the robotic arm to execute that plan with a high level of accuracy and predictability.”
Christine, the first robotic-assisted knee replacement patient, was called before her scheduled surgery to discuss the new technology. The procedure was thoroughly explained, and she was able to ask all of her questions. She found the topic interesting and was excited to hear she would be the first patient to use the technology for CVMC.
“I was diagnosed with an arthritic right knee in 2016 and was told that I would eventually need a knee replacement. I was using a brace to eliminate pain for walking. Last fall, I started experiencing severe knee pain, so I started my research for orthopedic surgeons in Sierra Vista,” said Christine. “After my first total knee replacement on my left knee, a few members of my church told me that Dr. Daines had a great reputation and/or he performed a knee replacement on them, so I made an appointment for a consultation. I love taking walks and not able to do so, was so depressing. It is very important to me to stay as active as possible.”
When asked about how she was feeling after the surgery, Christine said she was tired the first few days but is getting stronger every day.
“Canyon Vista Medical Center and Sierra Vista Medical Group are committed to excellence,” said Joe Clifton, Director of Physician Services. “We have invested in top physicians who excel in their craft, and in state-of-the-art technology to improve surgical outcomes.”
