A computer device that digitally maps bones in real time is now available to orthopedic surgery patients at Marin General Hospital.

Dr. John Keohane, a Greenbrae orthopedic surgeon, is specially trained to use the Zimmer-Medtronic Axiem II Navigation System, which uses electromagnetic energy to map the bones of patients, especially those needing knee replacement.

“This shows me precisely where to make cuts on the bone,” Keohane said. “It is especially important when a patient already has an implant, such as a rod or screws. This system just saved our patient from needing a second surgery. ”

Small tracking devices are affixed to the patient’s surgical site. The physician uses a hand-held localizer to generate an electromagnetic field. The tracking device and the localizer map the bones in the surgical area.

“The technology is similar to satellite navigation where a satellite emits time signals and a target position is triangulated,” said Janet Melka, RN, CNOR, Nurse Coordinator of the hospital’s Orthopedic Specialty Program. “This is such an accurate method and a powerful visualization tool.”

Larkspur resident and roofer contractor Brian McLeran became the first patient in Marin to benefit from this new technology in May during total knee replacement surgery.

“Conventional surgery just wasn’t a good option for me because I have a metal rod in my leg due to a past accident,” McLeran said. “This technology spared me from needing a second surgery. I couldn’t be happier with my care here at Marin General Hospital . . . from the pre-operative orientation class to the follow up with the hospital staff. It has been great. The staff really does care. It’s quite comforting to have a good community hospital.”

June 5, 2006