We recently mentioned the BrainLab system for identifying bony landmarks on the knee that utilizes an iPhone/iPod touch as a major component. BrainLab’s Marc Mackey has since contacted us and clarified a few points.
The iPod-based system is a stand alone computer assisted surgery system that will initially be available with apps for total hip and total knee replacement. The top target for this project was efficiency, with
a goal of being faster or time neutral to procedures using conventional instruments while achieving the benefits of improved alignment. We expect the 510(k) soon.
Digital Lightbox could be called a “giant iPhone”, but BrainLAB did develop the multi-touch capability BEFORE the iPhone was launched! The idea is that you can hang it on the wall and interact with any medical images or information easily and quickly, rather than sit hunched over a desktop monitor.
Thanks to BrainLab for getting back to us with the above information and images.
Flashback: BrainLab Takes iPhone-like Digital Lightbox to Next Logical Step