FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Marilyn K. Potts, APR, Public Relations/Marketing Specialist - (210) 575-0170

Computer Navigation for Precision

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – January 27, 2005 -- Metropolitan Methodist Hospital was the first in San Antonio to update its orthopedic operating rooms with a new tool that has made knee replacement an exact science. Its dedicated orthopedic team has performed a number of knee replacements using the minimally invasive computer-assisted surgery technology, the Ci™ System, which uses computer navigation to guide the surgeon with a three-dimensional view of the patient’s own knee joint, in real time. Precise measurements associated with use of computer-assisted surgery make it possible to more accurately align the implants during knee replacement procedures, to balance extension and flexion gaps and yield a greater range of motion for the patient, regardless of the size of the incision. This precise congruent articulation of the two parts of the implant makes it last longer with less wear than implants put into place with less exact measurements.

The system allows surgeons to virtually map out the entire surgery. Using its integrated components – software, hardware and instruments – surgeons can view each step of the surgical procedure in real-time, three-dimensional images that mirror the individual patient’s anatomy precisely.

Computer Navigation Guides Knee Replacement

From the patient’s perspective, the computer navigation procedure is less risky for the patient, being less invasive than traditional knee replacement. Rehabilitation time is shorter, so the patient experiences less discomfort post-surgery.

“It’s no surprise that more and more people are in need of total knee replacement surgeries, given the aging population and obesity rates in the country,” said Frank Garcia, MD, one of the orthopedic surgeons at Metropolitan Methodist Hospital who has trained in this technology and using it with patients. “By implementing this system we believe we’re best equipped to meet the growing need.”

“The new technology limits the wear on the implant, extending the life of the knee replacement to 95 percent successful fifteen years or more out. Now, we don’t have to ask patients to delay the surgery so long. Now,” said Dr. Garcia, “we do knee replacements for the right reasons.”

Joe Bonner, Director of Surgical and Cardiovascular Services for Metropolitan Methodist Hospital, has put a dedicated orthopedic surgical team in place, led by Sandy Gallegos, RN5, Orthopedic Clinical Coordinator for the OR. Their orthopedic surgery center provides the surgical team with other special tools including several new sets of special orthopedic surgical instruments and two additional C-arm fluoroscopy units, which are easier to position for clear pictures of a patient’s limbs during surgery. Three new video towers also have been installed to facilitate arthroscopic surgery by providing the surgeon with real time views of the surgical site via TV camera.

Cheryl Talerico, RN, Nurse Manager for the new orthopedic patient care unit due to open by mid-February on Metropolitan Methodist Hospital’s fifth floor, said specific orthopedic pathways will be followed by a dedicated orthopedic team, made up of certified orthopedic Computer navigation guides knee replacement nurses, case manager, physical therapist, patient educator and dietician. The unit will contain 17 patient beds that are reserved for the care of orthopedic patients.

The Ci™ System is a product of DePuy, a Johnson and Johnson company. Surgeons are required to be completely trained on the system before they are allowed to use the technology in surgery.

Metropolitan Methodist Hospital* is part of the Methodist Healthcare System. Methodist Healthcare is San Antonio’s largest and most preferred health care provider with 23 facilities including seven acute care hospitals: Methodist Heart Hospital*, Methodist Children’s Hospital of South Texas*, Methodist Hospital, Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital*, Northeast Methodist Hospital*, Metropolitan Methodist Hospital* and Methodist Ambulatory Surgery Hospital--Northwest.

* A Methodist Hospital facility