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A Brisbane hairdresser was the first patient to benefit from the arrival of robotic knee surgery at North West Private Hospital.
Salon owner Michele Hogan, 56, had a knee replacement after years of pain had forced her to reduce her working hours and stop exercising.
She had the procedure at North West Private Hospital in September 2024 after medications and physiotherapy failed to relieve her suffering.
"The addition of robotics is a game-changer in total knee replacement surgery," said Dr Mark Dekkers, who performed the operation with the Everton Park-based facility's new state-of-the-art Velys device.
"The Velys robot is designed to allow surgeons to precisely perform a total knee replacement and accurately balance soft tissue, which can enhance a more pain-free and quicker recovery and can also reduce operating time."
Four weeks after the surgery, Ms Hogan was walking without crutches and said she hoped to return to work and be able to drive again within another fortnight.
"The hospital team were fantastic and they have kept my pain under control excellently," she said.
"The secret of the recovery is just to do exactly what you are told physio-wise, but I can't have enough praise for the team that looked after me."
Michele Hogan visited her salon after the operation (Photo credit: Rogue Hair Hamilton)
The robot assists surgeons by gathering patient anatomy data in real time with its advanced cameras and optical trackers.
It helps them to plan for and execute precise procedures tailored to a patient's specific anatomy.
"We're excited to introduce this new surgical robot to North West Private Hospital," CEO Kelly Grant said.
"We're committed to offering patients leading surgical technology that's designed to improve patient experience and outcomes."
Read more: Graeme Walker – North West Private Hospital
Read more: Brisbane hospital's robot Renaissance
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