UH Orthopaedic Surgeons First in Ohio to Use Cleveland-Based ArthroFree™ Surgical Camera
November 21, 2022
Innovations in Orthopaedics | Fall 2022
Orthopaedic surgeons at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center were the first in Ohio to operate using the pioneering ArthroFree™ wireless surgical camera system. A contract between University Hospitals Ventures, the innovation and commercialization arm of University Hospitals, and Lazurite Holdings LLC (formerly Indago) is advancing the locally developed ArthroFree technology.
ArthroFree™ wireless surgical camera.
James Voos, MD
Jacob Calcei, MDThe first-in-class camera system, which pairs a low-heat, high-intensity laser light source with wireless capabilities, is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved fully untethered camera for arthroscopy and general endoscopy. Company stakeholders are focusing on orthopaedic and sports medicine as their initial target market.
“When we're in the operating room, we have three goals,” says James Voos, MD, Chair of the UH Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “First and foremost is providing the best possible patient care, but other factors we consider in orthopaedic surgery are wear and tear on our team members and the safety of our operating room [OR].” He notes that the innovative ArthroFree System positively impacts all three goals.
In addition to improving ergonomics for the surgeon, the device reduces risks of OR burns or fires that can occur with higher-temperature light sources. Other features the wireless system offers include reduced staff injury from cord entanglement, greater efficiency in room turnovers and streamlined set-up, tear-down and sterilization requirements.
Dr. Voos and Jacob Calcei, MD, a Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Surgeon at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, recently collaborated on University Hospitals’ first ArthroFree case. “During a typical arthroscopic procedure, there are crisscrossing cords that have to be managed throughout the case,” says Dr. Calcei. “With the light and power cords eliminated, it is easier to navigate the surgical site, improve mobility and reduce stress for our staff—this is going to change how we do arthroscopy moving forward.”
UH Partners To Test Functionality
Along with fellow University Hospitals orthopaedic surgeons and surgical staff, Drs. Voos and Calcei participated in Lazurite’s formative human factors study of ArthroFree during its pre-approval stage. As part of a larger multi-site study, team members gained hands-on experience and evaluated the camera’s functionality in simulated surgical environments.
“We’ve conducted efficiency studies where the nurses compared ArthroFree to a corded light and power source set-up, and we found higher satisfaction rates and faster room turnover,” says Dr. Calcei, adding that results of the study will soon be published in the Journal of Orthopedic Experience & Innovation.
The Arthrofree Advantage
Incorporating a proprietary camera, receiver and Meridiem™ laser light technology, the ArthroFree system can operate on just four watts, compared to 300 watts required for a conventional surgical camera.
Additional features include:
- Wireless connectivity that offers HIPPA-compliant, point-to-point encryption for patient data
- Drop-in compatibility with patient data consoles and surgical monitors
- A smooth, ergonomic handheld device that offers intuitive functionality
- A lightweight, rechargeable power source
- Improved procedural outcomes associated with optimized surgical field visualization and physician range of motion
- Reduced risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)
- Better utilization of healthcare resources and staffing
Recognition of ArthroFree’s breakthrough technology is growing. The Greater Cleveland Partnership recently named Lazurite as the Tech Company of the Year (Small) at their 2022 Best of Tech Awards.
“It is rewarding to partner with a Cleveland-based company that recognizes University Hospital’s commitment to driving new technologies forward,” says Dr. Voos. “We always put patients first, but—as an academic medical center—we also strive to continually refine and improve the operating room environment for the patients, physicians and surgical staff.”
For more information, contact Dr. Voos at James.Voos@UHhospitals.org or Dr. Calcei at Jacob.Calcei@UHhospitals.org.
Contributing Experts:
James Voos, MD
Chair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Jack and Mary Herrick Distinguished Chair, Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Charles H. Herndon Professor and Chair
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Head Team Physician, Cleveland Browns
Medical Director, Cleveland Ballet
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Assistant Team Physician, Cleveland Browns
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Assistant Professor
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine