Cincinnati--Dr. Michael Swank from The Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati has successfully performed the first image-guided total knee replacement procedure in the Tristate area. VectorVision®², a "global positioning system for the body" developed by BrainLAB, allows surgeons to use preoperative diagnostic images to visualize and track the position of surgical instruments intraoperatively via a touch-screen interface. Physicians can use VectorVision®² to perform cranial, ENT, hip, knee, spine or fluoroscopic procedures.

"Previously, physicians had to rely on instruments placed on the ends of bones to plan the knee replacement," explains Michael Swank, M.D., orthopedic surgeon with Freiberg Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. "This method will dramatically improve the accuracy of knee replacements and decrease the number of repeat surgeries."

The VectorVision®² knee software allows the precise planning of a total knee replacement taking patient anatomy and the relevant axes of the leg into account. The procedure is planned in a 3D reconstruction of the patient's anatomy based on the diagnostic data. The software assists surgeons in correctly placing implants, especially in cases where a conventional approach would be problematic due to limited vision.

This image-guided surgery system has been successfully used at The Jewish Hospital for spinal procedures. The Jewish Hospital looks forward to routinely using image guidance for both knee and hip replacements, in addition to other orthopedic procedures.

BrainLAB develops, manufactures and markets software-driven medical equipment. BrainLAB's products allow physicians to provide treatment that improves medical outcomes while being more accurate, less invasive and less expensive than traditional surgery. For over 10 years, BrainLAB has been the leading innovator in the fields of image-guided surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery. BrainLAB has offices in 11 countries and employs over 400 people.

BrainLAB's core competency is the integration of user-friendly software into surgical and radiotherapy procedures. By simplifying complex technologies to fit all doctors' needs, BrainLAB is able to offer superior software solutions to all customers. BrainLAB's success has been built on innovative technologies along with reliable 24-hour service and a 100 percent focus on customers' needs. BrainLAB is a privately held company headquartered in Munich, Germany. For more information, visit BrainLAB at http://www.brainlab.com/.

The Jewish Hospital is part of the Health Alliance, an integrated health care delivery system that also includes The Christ Hospital, The University Hospital, The St. Luke Hospitals, The Fort Hamilton Hospital and the physicians of Alliance Primary Care.