St. Joseph Regional Health Center leadership announced Thursday that they have acquired a new surgical navigation system for their orthopedics program, the first of its kind in the region. The computer-assisted surgical navigation system can improve outcomes for patients who are undergoing total knee replacement procedures. With the system, an orthopedic surgeon can map out the knee’s anatomy using an infrared wireless device to send signals to the navigation unit. The system then displays the image in real-time on a screen to allow the surgeon greater precision in the placement of implant hardware. "The navigation system improves alignment and accuracy of the implant device, which allows that device to have an extended useful life for the patient," said orthopedic surgeon Barry Veazey, M.D. The new Stryker Orthopedic Navigation System also allows for the potential of having a smaller incision, meaning a less invasive surgery for the total knee replacement patient. "This is a part of our commitment to providing advanced surgical procedures at St. Joseph Regional Health Center," said Janet Nolan, RN, CNOR, Assistant Director of Perioperative Services. "We are constantly assessing new surgical technologies." "St. Joseph worked with the orthopedic surgeons in reviewing and trialing this system to make sure it would meet physician and patient needs. This surgical navigation system, coupled with the neurosurgery navigation system we have in place, provide pinpoint accuracy to assist the surgeon in placing implant devices," said Debbie Hieden, RN, CNOR, Orthopedic/Neurosurgery Team Leader. The $250,000 surgical navigation system is capable of being expanded to do hip replacements and other orthopedic procedures. This is the first Stryker Surgical Navigation System in place in the Houston region - and the first orthopedic surgical navigation system in place in the Brazos Valley area. St. Joseph Regional Health Center, a member of St. Joseph Health System, has been providing health services to Brazos Valley residents since 1936, when the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio purchased the Bryan Hospital. St. Joseph Health Center offers comprehensive programs in the areas of cardiac, cancer, neurosciences and rehabilitation, as well as being designated as the region's Lead Level III Trauma Center.
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