Blueprint mixed reality technology [Image courtesy of Wright Medical]
Wright Medical (NSDQ:WMGI) today announced the first shoulder arthroplasty procedure performed using its Blueprint mixed reality technology.
Dr. Joaquin Sanchez-Sotelo performed the procedure at Mayo Clinic’s Rochester, Minn. campus, with the Blueprint software providing a 3-D holographic view of the pre-operative plan.
“This procedure is an important milestone for shoulder arthroplasty and marks a major step in the evolution of Blueprint mixed reality technology in shoulder surgery,” said Wright Medical CEO Robert Palmisano. “For the first time in shoulder arthroplasty, surgeons will be able to interact with their 3-D pre-op plan in real-time to more precisely tailor shoulder joint replacement procedures to the unique needs and anatomy of their patients.”
“By integrating other solutions in the future, such as artificial intelligence, case planning optimization and mixed reality modules for medical education, the Blueprint ecosystem offers an opportunity to significantly reduce variability in the way shoulder arthroplasties are performed, potentially reducing complications and improving overall patient outcomes,” Palmisano said in a news release.
Mixed reality is the latest addition to Wright’s Blueprint ecosystem. It allows a surgeon to maintain a direct view of the surgical site and simultaneously visualize and manipulate a holographic representation of the patient’s native anatomy and pre-operative plan. A surgeon uses gestures and voice commands to adjust the mixed reality display.
Said Sanchez-Sotelo: “I was able to visualize, rotate, and tilt three-dimensional holographic objects right in front of the surgical field. As mixed reality continues to develop, it will provide a very unique, cost-effective tool for execution of our surgical plan.”
Sanchez-Sotelo and the nonprofit Mayo Clinic have a financial interest in Wright Medical Group.