A HOSPITAL in Darlington is celebrating after successfully operating on its 100th patient – with a robotic arm.
Robotic technology is making the world of difference at BMI Woodlands, which has used its MAKO robotic technology to operate on 100 patients.
The hospital started using robotic surgery last summer and is the only site between Edinburgh and Leeds to use the MAKO.
Executive director Debbie Dobbs said: “In many ways, the Mako robot is the jewel in our crown, helping us to raise the bar in terms of the services we can offer.
“Our aim is to always find ways to improve and this is another example of that.”
Consultant Orthopaedic surgeon Mr Andrew Port, who operated on the 100th patient, added: “There’s no doubt artificial intelligence and augmented reality assistance is the future of medicine and surgery. The current version of the Stryker MAKO robotic system is the start of this advance in medicine.
"It provides accuracy in prosthesis insertion to millimetre precision and is the equivalent of moving from a ruler measurement to micrometer.
"This more accurate planning and placement of the implant is certainly reflected in more predictable patient outcomes. The future of arthroplasty within the next 10 years has arrived.”
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