Two new surgical robots have been introduced at The University of New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC), a campus of UNM Hospital, to assist surgeons in performing various procedures. The robots, named Mako and Da Vinci Xi, are now operational in SRMC’s operating rooms.
The Mako robot is designed for orthopedic surgeries such as knee and hip replacements. According to John Krumme, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at SRMC with prior experience using the Mako in Kansas City, Missouri, “The Mako robot is the latest in orthopaedic technology. It allows for more accuracy in knee and hip replacement surgery than ever before.” The system enables surgeons to create a 3D model from a CT scan of the patient’s joint and use the robotic arm as a guide for precise cuts during surgery. Krumme emphasized the benefits of this technology: “The Mako allows us to reproduce the dynamic stability of an individual patient's knee specific to their anatomy. We can even do dynamic balancing in surgery, enabling us to fine tune that patient’s knee and put it exactly where it’s supposed to be.”
Before adopting robotic assistance like the Mako, surgeons relied on standard tools and external landmarks for joint replacement surgeries. Krumme noted that this traditional approach could result in small errors: “You’d be off like two degrees, or two millimeters. And millimeters matter in a total joint surgery because you have to get the balance of the knee just right.” He believes that the precision and customization offered by robotic systems represent a significant improvement.
Krumme described his motivation for using this technology: “You get these people that come in and they're in pain every day; they're hurting all the time. They're not able to walk with their spouse; they're not able to play with their grandkids; they can't climb the bleachers at basketball games. And then you do an hour-long surgery and after recovering, these people are starting to do those things, and they get that part of their life back.” He added, “We're really excited about bringing this technology here to help our patients. It adds to our already excellent clinical team, who are going to do a great job taking care of you here at SRMC.”
The Da Vinci Xi robot has been used at SRMC since March for general surgery procedures across specialties including urology, gynecology, bariatrics, acute care surgery, hernia repair, gallbladder removal, and bariatric surgery. Anna Lise Koenig, MD, who performs general and acute care surgery at SRMC, explained how robotic assistance improves outcomes: “We can do surgery that is less painful for patients, with a faster recovery and good outcomes.” She clarified that despite advanced features,“What patients should know about the robot is that the robot doesn't do anything on its own. There is no AI involved; the surgeon is always controlling the robot. So although it sounds like it could be something that is independent, it is not. The surgery is always being performed by the surgeon.”
Koenig highlighted some advantages of using Da Vinci: “The robot allows us to have better visualization during surgery and allows us more instrument control,” she said.“So we have a wider ability to do surgeries with minimally invasive small incisions.” She also stated,“When the surgeon feels more comfortable with what they're doing, the surgery is better and the patient has better outcomes.”
Joseph Giacolone, MD, chief resident in general surgery at SRMC who has trained on Da Vinci Xi, compared it favorably with laparoscopic techniques: “You cannot replace the 360-degree range of motion and flexibility you have with where surgical instruments can go,” he said.“It cannot be replicated by a human wrist. The robot is so much better at doing that.”
Koenig concluded,“If it was me getting surgery I would want robotic surgery.You’re definitely in good hands.”
SRMC staff believe these additions will help deliver high-quality care safely while offering improved experiences for both patients and providers.
