New robotic device could improve patient recovery after orthopedic surgery

Innovative veterinary technology comes from Laurent Guiot DVM, DACVS, DECVS, in which he developed a robotic device to assist with minimally invasive orthopedic surgeries on dogs and cats. According to the news release from Thrive Pet Healthcare,¹ this approach provides the possibility for a smoother and quicker healing process, can reduce the risk of infection, and can result in an overall less invasive surgical experience for the pet.

Dr Guiot's robotic surgery assistant. (Photo courtesy of ACCESS Bone and Joint Center and Thrive Pet Healthcare)

Guiot built the robotic assistant from a kit and customized parts using a 3D printer and can be controlled using an X-Box joystick, allowing him to precisely stabilize the patient's affected joint before inserting a securing screw. By leveraging this new technology, Guiot can perform orthopedic procedures without resorting to a large incision, opting instead for a smaller one.¹

“We have shown that our one-of-a-kind robotic-assisted procedure permitted accurate surgical execution in a couple of cases,” said Guiot in the release. “Like human doctors, veterinarians are always striving for the least invasive, most comfortable surgical experience for our patients, and our new procedure has helped us make great strides to that end.”¹

Robotic device used during orthopedic surgery. (Photo courtesy of ACCESS Bone and Joint Center and Thrive Pet Healthcare)

Recovery time after an open surgical procedure can take 8-12 weeks, depending on the specific condition being treated, the type of surgery performed, and the individual animal’s overall health and healing capabilities.¹ After an open surgical procedure, animals are typically required to rest and limit their physical activity to allow for proper healing. However, this new technology could help with a faster recovery time, allowing pets to return to their normal activities sooner and reduce the overall impact on their quality of life. It also reduces tissue trauma and the risk of infection because of the smaller incisions. There is less damage to surrounding tissues and muscles and can also result in less postoperative pain. This development also reduces blood loss during surgery and can be especially beneficial for patients with underlying health conditions.¹

Guiot and his team at ACCESS Specialty Hospital-Los Angeles used this robotic technology on Zanee, a 5-year-old Maltipoo, and found that the dog was able to begin walking comfortably again just 2-weeks post-op.¹

“We’re looking forward to continued success using the robot to assist with orthopedic surgeries,” said Guiot. “We plan to invest in additional research to improve robotic arm performance.”¹

Guiot is a leading orthopedic surgeon at the Bone and Joint Center within ACCESS Specialty Hospital, under the Thrive network. The Bone and Joint Center offers orthopedic care for dogs and cats by combining veterinary surgeons’ expertise and cutting-edge resources. The center also offers 24/7 post-operative care for hospitalized patients recovering from surgery.² Guiot graduated with a veterinary medicine degree in 2004 from the University of Liege in Belgium and is board-certified by the American and European College of Veterinary Surgeons.¹

References

1. Dog walks in record time after revolutionary robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery. News release. Thrive Pet Healthcare. January 10, 2024. Accessed January 23, 2024. https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/dog-walks-in-record-time-after-revolutionary-robotic-assisted-orthopedic-surgery?redirectUrl=/media-center
2. What to know about ACCESS Bone And Joint Center. Thrive Pet Healthcare. Accessed January 23, 2024. https://www.thrivepetcare.com/services/access-bone-and-joint-center