01-08-2025
Cutting-edge technology caps 750 surgeries
A MASTER of his craft, an Entabeni Life Hospital orthopedist has reached a milestone of more than 750 surgeries using above-the-edge technology to save lives.
Dr Andrew Baker's Visionaire mode of surgery uses 3D cutting blocks that are printed in the USA using the patients' MRI scans. The blocks are then sent back to SA and used in the patients' surgery.
'The steps are that the patient goes for an MRI. The images get loaded onto the website. An engineer and a surgeon plan the operation on 3D models on the computer. The engineer then 3D prints and cuts a guide that fits the knee anatomy of that very patient. The blocks are made sterile and then sent to South Africa and opened in surgery,' explained Baker.
He added, 'Since incorporating Visionaire patient-matched cutting blocks into my practice, the transformation has been remarkable. The precision and efficiency it brings to total knee arthroplasty have significantly streamlined my surgical workflow. Not only has it enhanced surgical accuracy, reduced the risk of surgical exposure by markedly decreasing theatre time, but it has also allowed me to deliver more consistent outcomes for my patients. Visionaire has truly elevated the standard of care in my operating room, and I couldn't be happier with the results.'
Also read: Life Entabeni Hospital launches groundbreaking robotic surgical system
One patient, George Pretorius, hailed the surgery method. 'I was patient number 750 to have knee replacement surgery done by Dr Andrew Baker. I need to highlight what a great surgeon Dr Baker is and the amazing quality of his latest method. I had the operation on June 3, and I've not looked back. My knee is pain-free, and I almost have full mobility of my knee. This operation is a game changer for me,' Pretorius shared.
The surgery is reportedly less invasive and reduces theatre duration, proving beneficial to the patients. It also enables the surgeon to plan the surgery virtually before he cuts the patient open, which renders accuracy and improved outcomes.
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