A Giant Step in Knee Replacement Surgery: The DuPuy Synthes' VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution

MarinHealth Medical Center is one of a small number of hospitals in the Bay Area to acquire the remarkable DePuy Synthes’ VELYS robot, specifically designed for total knee arthroplasty (knee replacement surgery). This breakthrough technology allows for a more predictable and efficient surgical procedure and results in a better fit for each patient’s unique anatomy.

The robot’s revolutionary technology simplifies total knee replacement, adding efficiencies that allow the surgeon to operate with unprecedented ease and precision.

Patient Benefits

Compared to a traditional knee replacement, surgery with the DePuy Synthes’ VELYS:

• Refines the alignment, positioning, and general fit of the implant
• Reduces the risk of knee instability from an inaccurately positioned implant

A Pioneering Program at MarinHealth

The DePuy Synthes’ VELYS Robot has just recently received FDA approval and MarinHealth will serve as a training center for the new technology. Once our orthopedic surgery team has trained with the new equipment, they will begin performing procedures at MarinHealth Medical Center. Our surgeons are also planning to train UCSF physicians and fellows on the new technology, right here in our hospital. “We will be tracking the equipment’s use and outcomes to document the projected success of this technology.” says Dr. Derek Ward, Medical Director for Orthopedic Surgery at MarinHealth Medical Center. “We’re thrilled to have this option available to us, and to our community.”

Advancements in Technology and Treatment

The VELYS Robot is the first and only robot that is mounted to the operating table, allowing it to be easily moved to a different operating room. It is designed for exclusive use with the ATTUNE® Knee System, an exceptionally stable, durable, and customizable implant with excellent ease of motion. The robot’s unique technological advantages support the surgeon at every step of the procedure:

• Assessment and procedure planning
  The robot eliminates the need for advance MRIs and CT-scans. Instead, surgery is planned in real time, using the robot’s planning software to assess the anatomy of the patient’s natural joint. Surgeons can visualize and predict joint stability and mobility. The technology helps plan for the optimum positioning of the implant, ensure the best possible fit in the surrounding soft tissue, and customize alignment and balance through a complete range of motion.
• Exceptional control
  The ATTUNE® Knee System INTUITION® Instrumentation and an easily maneuverable robotic design enhance the surgeon’s control while streamlining the procedure. Proprietary NATURAL CONTROL™ Technology allows for precise, reproducible surgical cuts.
• Verified performance
  ADAPTIVE TRACKING™, the robot camera’s high-speed optical tracking system, takes 300 images per second, capturing the surgeon’s slightest movement for remarkably precise imaging. The joint’s position is reassessed before the implant is permanently positioned to ensure balanced tension in the knee throughout the range of motion.