CVMC orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sara Graves demonstrating the Mako SmartRobotics™ system.
Patients will receive personalized surgical plans and less invasive surgery
BERLIN, Vt. – UVM Health Network - Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) is proud to acquire the Mako SmartRobotics™ system for orthopedic procedures, demonstrating a commitment to offering leading orthopedic care to patients in our region. This state-of-the-art technology revolutionizes the approach to joint surgery, ensuring patients receive personalized, precise and minimally invasive treatments.
The Mako system combines 3D CT-scan that allows surgeons to create personalized surgical plans based on each patient’s unique anatomy before entering the operating room. During surgery, the robotic arm is guided by the surgeon with increased precision and accuracy, resulting in better outcomes such as less pain, quicker recovery times and improved knee flexion.
“Having the MAKO here at CVMC will allow us to create an even more customized surgical plan for each of our patients. We are hoping that this will lead to even less invasive surgery and a quicker return to their desired activities for our patients,” said Sara Graves, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at CVMC.
Studies have shown that using the Mako robotic system can lead to less pain, reduced need for opiate analgesics, shorter hospital stays and improved knee flexion compared to traditional manual techniques. As the population ages and the demand for total knee replacements increases, CVMC is committed to staying at the forefront of orthopedic surgery to meet the needs of its patients.
"CVMC is committed to using the best available technology to optimize our patient’s health and wellness. The Mako allows our highly skilled orthopedic surgeons to provide this state-of-the-art technology, close to home,” says Anna Tempesta Noonan, President and COO of CVMC.
With this new addition, CVMC joins the growing list of UVM Health Network partners that offer robotic surgery, providing patients with access to the most advanced treatments available. UVM Medical Center has two Mako systems in operation. The Mako system is currently approved for total knee, partial knee and hip replacements, with other applications undergoing the FDA approval process.
The acquisition of the Mako system at CVMC is part of the Network’s efforts to coordinate high-level care across the Network. It allows for Vermont’s only academic health system to better provide internal education and training when all providers are using common platforms. The system can also have a positive impact on access because it makes surgical time more predictable, reducing longer surgery times and scheduling bumps.