Velys robotic surgery makes Melbourne debut

The first patient in Metropolitan Melbourne to undergo knee replacement surgery using DePuy Synthes’ new Velys robotic-assisted surgical system has been treated at Cabrini Malvern.

For 72-year-old Sam Fein, the decision to proceed with knee replacement surgery came after his daily morning walks with his border collie, Brodie, became increasingly difficult. What was once a simple routine turned into a painful task requiring an ice pack and anti-inflammatory medication before he could manage everyday activities.

Cabrini orthopaedic surgeon Dr Shay Zayontz performed the procedure, marking the first use of the Velys system in Metropolitan Melbourne.

“Every knee is quirky, because every knee is different,” Dr Zayontz said. “That’s the advantage of robotic-assisted systems like the Velys. This particular system allows us to use data to help us to align the prosthesis in the knee to the patient’s personal ligament tensions, and we can make very specific cuts that then allow the prosthesis to match up exactly with the patient’s anatomy. It’s highly personalised surgery.”

The Velys platform is the latest addition to Cabrini’s suite of surgical robots, providing patients and orthopaedic surgeons with access to advanced digital precision technology that can be tailored to each patient’s individual anatomy.

Just days after his Cabrini-first procedure, Sam has commenced rehabilitation through Cabrini’s Rehab in the Home program.

“For two years now, my quality of life just hasn’t been there,” he said. “And now, just one week since my surgery, I’m getting around using crutches. I know that I’ll be able to get back to my exercising and to walking around the block and playing at the park with Brodie again in the next few weeks.”

As demand for robotic-assisted procedures continues to grow, technologies such as Velys are helping transform the way joint replacement surgery is delivered, with increased precision and personalised surgical planning supporting patient recovery.

A key advantage of the Velys system is that it does not require a pre-operative CT scan. Instead, the technology captures live measurements during surgery, reducing radiation exposure and eliminating the need for an additional radiology appointment.

“Demand for orthopaedic, cancer and cardiac care at Cabrini is projected to grow to about 150,000 patients annually by 2036,” said Louise Alexander, Executive Director of Cabrini Malvern and Brighton.

The introduction of Velys comes alongside the construction of four new operating theatres at Cabrini Malvern, scheduled for completion in coming weeks. There is further capacity growth planned through the development of the new East Building over the next two years.

“As we expand our services through our Next Era redevelopment, we’ll be providing access to care closer to home for so many more patients,” commented Alexander. “But simultaneously, we have to keep pace with new and exciting technologies, including robotic-assisted systems, to ensure that once here, our patients are receiving the most advanced, specialised care available to them.”

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