2010 R&D 100 Winner
The RIO Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System from MAKO Surgical Corp., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Farm Design, Inc., Hollis, N.H., is a robotic orthopedic system with 3D visualization technology that helps surgeons perform minimally invasive knee resurfacing, and insertion and alignment of implants with sub-millimeter accuracy.
The system allows surgeons to achieve consistently reproducible precision with a procedure called MAKOplasty; surgeons can selectively and precisely target only the damaged portion of the knee through a keyhole incision.
Before the operation, the surgeon examines a CT scan of the patient’s knee to determine the area requiring removal. Using the RIO imaging software, the surgeon creates a plan for removal of bone and placement of the implant. During the procedure, the patient’s leg can be moved freely. Reflective arrays placed on the patient’s legs allow an advanced camera and computer to track the skeletal structure to determine exact position in space at any time.
The robotic arm floats freely while supporting the cutting instrument, which is guided by the surgeon throughout the procedure. It incorporates tactile haptic feedback for improved precision and control. The 3D geometry of the bone and cutting tip are displayed on an overhead monitor in real time. A control panel steps the surgeon through the process.
Technology
Robotic 3D visualization surgical tool
Developers
MAKO Surgical Corp.
Farm Design, Inc.
Development Team
The RIO Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System Development Team:
Rony Abovitz, MAKO Surgical Corp
Louis Arata, MAKO Surgical Corp
Mark Baerenrodt, Farm Design, Inc.
Seth Banks, MAKO Surgical Corp
Maurice Ferre, MAKO Surgical Corp
Chris Labak, Farm Design, Inc.
Arthur Quaid, MAKO Surgical Corp
Brian Schmitz, MAKO Surgical Corp
Joe St.Cyr, Farm Design, Inc.
Derek Verhoorn, Farm Design, Inc.
