Catawba Valley Health System Unveils Mixed-Reality Surgical Technique

Catawba Valley Health System (CVHS) has begun this summer utilizing a technique for total hip replacement surgeries using a unique form of mixed-reality technology called HipInsight. CVHS joins Duke University Health as the only other organization in North Carolina to use this technology.

HipInsight is the only technology that superimposes 3D patient anatomy directly onto the patient’s body, functionally giving the surgeon the ability to “see” the bony anatomy through the drapes, muscle, fat, etc.

HipInsight only takes a few minutes to use in surgery. After docking a registration tool, the surgeon puts on a headset which displays the 3D anatomy and instrumentation. Then the surgeon aligns the physical tools with their virtual counterparts to put the implants in the correct orientation. By displaying virtual information directly on the operative field, the surgeon can keep his or her eyes focused on the patient, instead of looking away at computer screens or x-rays. Increased precision when orienting the implants on a patient-specific basis reduces the likelihood of dislocation, wear and impingement.

“Hip replacement surgery is an incredibly successful procedure, and surgeons are always looking for ways to improve outcomes for our patients,” said Bradley Morgan, CVHS administrator for surgical services. “Mixed reality is the latest innovation in orthopedics, and we’re excited to offer it to our patients.”

Traditional planning involves templating on 2D x-rays. With this new technology surgeons go into every surgery knowing how the patient’s anatomy looks in 3D, which means they know ahead of time which implants will be the best match for that patient. It also has the potential to help improve Operating Room efficiency because the surgeons have all the relevant information preoperatively.

CVHS has long dedicated itself to investing in technology that improves outcomes and seeks to limit length of stay and increase patient satisfaction and outcomes. For more information about HipInsight or other CVHS surgical specialties, please visit CatawbaValleyHealth.org/Surgery.