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St. David's Round Rock Medical Center Implements Patient-Customized Knee Procedure

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

VISIONAIRE Patient Match Technology Reduces Operating Time and

Helps Produce a More Tailored and Specific Implant for Patients

St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center is the only hospital in Central Texas utilizing a new, technologically advanced surgical procedure that customizes knee replacements. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, approximately 270,000 knee replacement operations are performed each year. With this new surgical technology, patients will have a more fitted implant, which may extend the life of knee implants.

The VISIONAIRE Patient Match technology uses a patient’s MRI and X-ray images to design and build surgical instruments customized for his or her unique knee anatomy. Because of these pre-made cutting blocks, physicians avoid having to make multiple cuts to the patient’s bone to fit the implant.

“VISIONAIRE gives doctors the ability to customize the actual knee replacement procedure, which is mutually beneficial to patients and doctors,” Michael Valastro, M.D., and medical director of orthopedic services at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center, said. “The technology allows us to meet the specific needs of the patient’s body and cut down operating times because of the pre-sized and pre-aligned instruments. The shorter operating room time also reduces the risk of infection for the patient.”

Valastro, the only doctor in Central Texas routinely using this surgical technology, has performed VISIONAIRE knee replacements on approximately 40 patients at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center.

“This technology changes the game because it reduces the number of steps in the operation and decreases operating time anywhere from 30-40 minutes,” Valastro said.

In the past, an orthopedic surgeon would spend time during the procedure adapting to a knee’s subtle differences, including shape and contour, in order to achieve the proper placement of the implant. The disposable, patient-specific instruments with VISIONAIRE help eliminate multiple steps in the operating room, not only decreasing the risk of infection, but also the amount of time a patient is under anesthesia.

Nearly 70 percent of knee replacement operations are performed in people over the age of 65, but a growing number of knee replacements are being performed in younger patients—making it even more important for precise implementation. An implant placed with the computer-guided precision allowed with VISIONAIRE has a reduced risk of misalignment, which can cause it to wear out before its time.

VISIONAIRE Patient Match technology was developed by Smith & Nephew, the first and only major medical device company to design, build and distribute this new technology for patients suffering from advanced osteoarthritis of the knee.

St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center

St. David's Round Rock Medical Center, located in Round Rock at 2400 Round Rock Avenue, is owned by St. David's HealthCare, one of the largest health systems in Texas. With more than 170 beds, this acute care hospital provides comprehensive health services to residents of Williamson County and the surrounding areas. Services include The Heart and Vascular Center with express testing, maternity and newborn services with Level I and II nurseries at The Women's Center, and a thriving emergency department, providing Level II trauma care in Williamson County. St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center is also known for advanced orthopedic and bariatric services, among other complex specialties. For more information, please visit StDavids.com.