Orthopedic surgery residents at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine are learning how to use new technology that enhances the future of shoulder surgery.
During their shoulder lab, the residents got hands-on experience using the . The technology is a wearable headpiece system that delivers real-time, hands-free surgical guidance while performing procedures like shoulder replacements.
ǽ residents were able to use the augmented reality to practice their skills on a cadaver. The cameras mounted into the headpiece allow surgeons to view markers on the patient to provide accurate placement of implants into the shoulder based on the patient’s preoperation scans.
is an associate professor of orthopaedic surgery, director of the Elbow Shoulder Research Center and a shoulder and elbow reconstructive surgeon at ǽ HealthCare. He was one of 16 surgeons in North America selected to evaluate the augmented reality platform for shoulder surgery.
“This opportunity not only accelerates their learning but also accelerates their experience and surgical precision,” Kamineni said. “Since my service is a referral destination for previously performed failed surgeries, especially shoulder replacements, and end-stage difficult shoulder problems, this technology allows a significant advantage in that realm.”
That’s one of the greatest benefits of learning new technology. What has taken Kamineni more than 20 years of experience and training to master can now be compressed into a much shorter timeframe with the help of technology like augmented reality.
It’s not only a great tool for the next generation of surgeons, but also benefits the patients.
“The real benefit is to patients because they’re not going to be part of the learning curve of new surgeons,” Kamineni said. “The new surgeons will be much more experienced at a much earlier stage because they’ve got the augmented reality learning platform.”
When using ARVIS®, the technology is based on the patient’s individual CT scan. The device works to personalize the treatment based on the patient’s information. This allows the surgery to be very accurate. It’s particularly game-changing when treating extreme cases of deformity or bone loss around the shoulder, which is a particular interest of Kamineni and his residents.
“It’s always in the patient’s best interest to cut as little as possible,” Kamineni said. “The augmented reality headset allows surgeons to look up with their eyes and see a screen of various anatomy that has been preoperatively planned so they can easily see the best position for the implant placement. It allows surgeons to be accurate in their placement on the first try.”
After a day of practicing in the lab, Kamineni received a lot of positive feedback from the residents.
“It completely opened their eyes to new opportunities to use technology in their practice,” Kamineni said. “Being able to practice like this ultimately sets them up to be better surgeons. I got to see lightbulbs go off in their head as they were getting to use new approaches, and I feel confident that by practicing with the technology we are sending out residents who have a comprehensive understanding of surgical knowledge.”
Kamineni says it’s an honor Enovis selected his shoulder and elbow surgical practice at ǽ to evaluate ARVIS® Augmented Reality System and hopes to continue receiving opportunities like this in the future to help accelerate his students to becoming well-rounded surgeons.