Novel laser endoscope could support hip prosthesis replacement

Sept. 3, 2020
The endoscope-based laser system in development would allow doctors to remove the old bone cement more gently and do so with improved vision.

When hip prostheses are replaced, the old bone cement in the femur must first be removed, which is a complicated procedure. Recognizing this, scientists at Laser Zentrum Hannover (LZH; Hannover, Germany) are developing an endoscope-based laser system with which doctors should be able to remove the old cement more gently and do so with improved vision.

Retention time in the body for hip prostheses averages 1015 years. To ensure that they hold well, they are often fixed in the thigh bone with bone cement. The old bone cement has to be removed completely when replacing the prosthesis. Up to now, surgeons need to remove it with great effort mechanically or via ultrasound, both of which are very time-consuming.

The LZH scientists are developing a rigid endoscope through which a laser beam and a camera are guided. With the device, the surgeon could segment the old cement with the laser to facilitate the removal, while the video image of the camera allows the surgeon a direct view of the process inside the bone. Its integrated selective illumination is supposed to enhance the contrast between cement and bone, making it easier for the surgeon to navigate within the bone and differentiate between bone and bone cement.

The Biophotonics Group at LZH will develop the spectroscopic analysis of aged bone cement, the laser ablation process, and a clinical demonstrator. The long-term goal is to reduce the duration of the surgery and make the procedure safer and less invasive for patients.

The project LaZE (Laser Cement Removal) – "Development of an endoscopic system for chromatically contrasted imaging and laser-based removal of bone cement in revision endoprosthetics" is funded by the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung (EKFS). The scientists will work closely with Helios ENDO-Klinik Hamburg to integrate clinical feedback directly into the development.

For more information, please visit lzh.de.

Source: Laser Zentrum Hannover (LZH) press release – August 13, 2020

Sponsored Recommendations

Brain Computer Interface (BCI) electrode manufacturing

Jan. 31, 2025
Learn how an industry-leading Brain Computer Interface Electrode (BCI) manufacturer used precision laser micromachining to produce high-density neural microelectrode arrays.

Electro-Optic Sensor and System Performance Verification with Motion Systems

Jan. 31, 2025
To learn how to use motion control equipment for electro-optic sensor testing, click here to read our whitepaper!

How nanopositioning helped achieve fusion ignition

Jan. 31, 2025
In December 2022, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved fusion ignition. Learn how Aerotech nanopositioning contributed to this...

Nanometer Scale Industrial Automation for Optical Device Manufacturing

Jan. 31, 2025
In optical device manufacturing, choosing automation technologies at the R&D level that are also suitable for production environments is critical to bringing new devices to market...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!