MultiCare uses new AR technogy to enhance knee replacement surgeries in Yakima

YAKIMA, Wash. — For years, surgeons placed implants for knee replacements in the same way for every patient. However, a new augmented reality software called ARVIS is changing that approach, allowing surgeons to tailor implant placement to individual patients.

Dr. Nicholas Kennedy, an orthopedic knee sports surgeon, said he has done more than 50 surgeries using ARVIS over the past eight months. He said MultiCare Yakima Memorial is the only hospital in the Pacific Northwest that has this technology.

"I can plan a surgical procedure that's really unique to you and then make specific adjustments at the time of surgery based upon the data I'm getting from this computer system," Kennedy said.

The software allows surgeons to map a patient's unique anatomy using trackers placed at specific points, creating a 3D virtual model of the patient's femur. This enables the surgeon to make precise cuts and place implants in a way that aligns with the patient's natural body alignment.

"The old way we used to put in replacements for knees, for example, is everybody got the same knees; they got put in exactly neutral," Kennedy said. "But if your body's gotten used to living a little bit knock-kneed or a little bit bow-legged for 80 years and suddenly you make them completely straight, a lot of times, people don't adjust to that very well."

Kennedy said that's why the customization provided by using a technology like ARVIS can make all the difference for patients.

“It tends to be much more comfortable and then people tend to have less postoperative surgical pain and tend to like their new knee or their new implants a little bit more," Kennedy said.

Lori Roy, a lifelong athlete, pickleball coach and co-owner of Barnyard Pickleball in Moxee, has dealt with knee issues for years, dating back to her days as a fast-pitch catcher.

After multiple surgeries over the years — including one performed by Kennedy's father, who is also an orthopedic surgeon, Roy finally opted to undergo a knee replacement assisted by ARVIS.

Four months later, Roy's already back on her feet and playing pickleball without a knee brace for the first time in years.

"Right out of surgery, I was coaching from a lawn chair from the side," Roy said. "I was expecting a slow recovery back into the game, and I was pretty happy when Dr. Kennedy said I didn't need to wear a knee brace anymore, that my knee is as strong as gold."

Currently, ARVIS is being used for certain knee and hip replacement surgeries at MultiCare, with plans to expand the number of surgeons trained to use the technology.

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