A new drill guidance system looks set to improve surgeons’ accuracy and significantly reduce patients’ time in the operating room.
The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH) system is setting new standards in orthopaedic surgery by enhancing the precision of screw-hole drilling during fracture fixation procedures.
Developed by Dr Ioannis Georgilas, a senior lecturer in mechanical engineering, in collaboration with the RUH team, this innovative device is designed to assist surgeons in achieving unprecedented accuracy, ultimately reducing operative time and improving patient outcomes.
In traditional fracture fixation, surgeons rely on visual alignment and X-ray imaging to guide the drill through bone.
The drill guidance system augments these conventional methods by integrating a drill-mounted camera and a directional indicator.
It guides the drill’s trajectory with remarkable precision as it advances through bone.
This added visual feedback enables surgeons to complete procedures with a single, precise pass, which minimises tissue disruption, reduces radiation exposure, and mitigates the risks of infection.
Already deployed in surgeries involving the wrist, arm, knee, and ankle for both trauma and elective procedures, the system is a breakthrough that promises significant benefits across orthopaedic applications.
This project, led by Professor Grey Giddins, a Consultant Orthopaedic and Hand Surgeon at RUH, is a testament to the power of collaboration.
It draws on expertise from RUH and Dr Georgilas’s team at the Centre for Bioengineering and Biomedical Technologies (CBio) at the University of Bath, with support from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Professor Giddins said: ‘Implementing the drill guidance system in surgery marks a pivotal advancement in patient care. This device enhances patient outcomes and surgical efficiency by streamlining the surgical process and reducing infection risks.’
Dr Georgilas highlighted the system’s significance as a milestone in medical device innovation.
He said: ‘Our successful clinical launch of the drill guidance system showcases the dedication and ingenuity of our teams. This collaboration has led to a solution that fundamentally improves surgical precision, reflecting our commitment to advancing medical technology.’
The system is ready for broader surgical applications following comprehensive research and certification by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Funding support from NIHR aids its development and clinical evaluation.
