Surgeons at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn have performed one of the nation’s first Mixed Reality shoulder replacement surgeries using advanced virtual technology. The procedure was performed on March 30, 2023, by surgeons Jack Choueka and Ramin Sadeghpour.
“This integration allows surgeons to develop and execute highly personalized surgical plans with greater precision, ultimately improving patient outcomes,” said Choueka.
This latest procedure, combined with MR technology, brings pre-operative planning and real-time execution closer together, enabling a more streamlined and precise surgical process.
By displaying the 3D holographic surgical plan within the surgeon’s field of view, MR technology reduces the need for additional screens and allows for more efficient and accurate implant placement.
During the surgery, the Maimonides surgeons wore headsets that superimposed a 3D hologram based on software-created CT scans of the patient, Maria, over the line of sight.
This technology allowed the surgeons to see the anatomy and surgical site precisely and helped guide the exact placement of the prosthetic. The replacement surgery took about 90 minutes to complete.
“I had a large rotator cuff tear that led to arthritis of the shoulder,” said Maria.
“The pain became a 10 out of 10. I couldn’t use my arm for anything, even simple tasks. I also had a lot of trouble sleeping at night.”
Maria is the first patient at Maimonides to have shoulder replacement surgery using the new MR technology.
Choueka said the team plans to incorporate MR technology into all shoulder replacement surgeries at Maimonides.
"We will explore the potential of MR technology in other orthopedic fields, such as trauma and reconstructive surgery," Choueka said. "Our goal is to leverage the benefits of MR technology to enhance patient care across various specialties.”
“The MR technology provides patients the best chance of achieving their goals by optimizing implant placement for improved motion, function, and longevity, ultimately reducing the likelihood of revision surgeries,” said Choueka.
“It’s exciting to bring our patients here in the borough the newest technology and innovations. This technology sets a new benchmark for what can be achieved in shoulder replacement procedures, pushing the boundaries of surgical excellence. We anticipate that future advancements will provide more direct guidance and real-time feedback during surgical procedures, further improving patient care.”
Watch the video here.
