Using smart phone-like accelerometers and gyroscopes, powerful processing capabilities and leading-edge software, a next generation handheld surgical navigation computer, tailored made for total and partial knee replacement surgery is being launched commercially for use in all hospitals, clinics and, of course, ambulatory surgery centers (ASC).
The manufacturer, OrthAlign, Inc., based in Aliso Viejo, California, is the leading developer of hand-held surgical navigation tools. Their earlier generation of these “smart phone-like” computer navigation systems have been used in more than 200,000 arthroplasty cases around the world.
This next generation version is brand named “Lantern®” and is a powerful, handheld, transportable smart system for total and partial knee replacement surgery.
The technology, says OrthoAlign, offers “streamlined workflows to reduce OR times and support multiple ORs concurrently without the investment, equipment, or pre-operative imaging required by many computer-assisted surgical systems. The technology is optimized for the ASC with only one instrument tray, one navigation unit for all applications, and no storage requirements or service plans.”
When OTW asked for details on Lantern’s ability to be used across implant platforms and surgical philosophies, company chairman and CEO Eric Timko explained, “Like smart phones, Lantern uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to track position and orientation. In the operating room, these small sensors are attached to mechanical instrumentation and allow surgeons to remove diseased bone accurately and consistently.”
“The future of surgical technology is simplicity and efficiency. Lantern provides live angular measurements for the distal femoral and proximal tibial resections which traditional consists of two flat cuts. Since cut angle is typically the only variable that changes for these resections across implant platforms, we are compatible with most implants on the market and don’t require surgeons to sacrifice their implant preference to use technology. Additionally, as Lantern simply shows the user how these resections are aligned, it’s a flexible option that is compatible for a variety of scenarios and techniques.”
Last year, Dr. Michael Ast, a New York City based orthopedic surgeon, became the first in the world to perform a total knee replacement using Lantern navigation. “It is one of the most simple and efficient systems you can bring into a hospital or ASC,” said Dr. Ast. “Even large deformities can be handled in an efficient manner. The data is highly accurate, which gives me confidence that the foundations of my surgery are on target. My experiences over the limited release prove this technology is more than ready for the next step.”
According to the company, “Lantern currently supports total knee and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with developing applications for total hip arthroplasty, intraoperative assessment tools such as soft tissue balancing, data collection capabilities, and network connectivity.”
As for how Lantern addresses changes in the marketplace, Timko told OTW, “As patient volume continues to transition to the ASC, the need for value-based technologies is at an all-time high. Lantern is designed to meet the needs of the surgery center by providing an efficient, cost-effective system that makes navigation accessible to any surgeon in any setting.”
