Mission Regional Medical Center becomes 2nd hospital in Texas to use advanced technology; patients monitored remotely by orthopedic specialist Dr. Van Kanawade
MISSION – New patient monitoring technology is benefitting patients at Mission Regional Medical Center, allowing a patient’s progress after knee surgery to be monitored remotely by an orthopedic surgery specialist, Dr. Vaibhav ‘Van’ Kanawade.
Mission Regional is only the second hospital in the state to utilize the knee joint replacement remote motion sensing and patient monitoring technology.
Prior to knee replacement surgery at Mission Regional, two small “stickers” with sensors are applied to the patient’s leg, with one sticker positioned above the knee and the other sticker below the knee. The “ortho-sensors” are “smart devices” which transmit the patient’s steps and other movements to his or her doctor in real time – even after the patient returns home after their surgery.
The new technology allows Dr. Kanawade to know how many steps the patient has taken in a day, how many times the patient bends his or her knee; how far the patient is
able to bend his or her knee (range of motion), the amount of time that the patient is active and moving during the day, and if they have climbed any stairs. Dr. Kanawade can then make a better-informed assessment of how well the patient is progressing in the recovery period following their surgery – all without having to see the patient, or even talk to him or her.
In addition, the new Stryker “MotionSense” technology also allows Dr. Kanawade to monitor how much pain the patient may be experiencing – so he can increase or decrease their pain medication. Patients use an app on their phone to keep Dr. Kanawade updated on how much pain they are feeling, on a scale of 1 to 10.
The new technology also allows the physician to track how quickly the patient’s incision is healing, through pictures which the patient takes of the incision site on their knee.
“I can monitor the patients every day – without having to call them — so it is more convenient for the patient,” Dr. Kanawade said. “If there are issues with the patient’s progress, we can better personalize their care. This may including calling the physical therapist, to make adjustments to the patient’s therapy and exercise program.”
“We have used this new technology with three patients so far — and they are very happy with it,” Dr. Kanawade added. “In many cases, this technology can help enhance the patient’s recovery — and even expedite the recovery time, enabling the patient to get back to the activities they enjoy faster — and with better pain control.”
One of the first patients to try the new patient monitoring system, Orlando Aparicio of Mission, said the technology – which includes an app on his phone – is convenient and easy to use.
“This system tells you how many feet you have walked … and it shows you how to do the exercises,” Mr. Aparicio said. “When I finish one of the exercises, it submits the information to the doctor. The exercises help me to heal.”
Prior to his knee replacement surgery, Mr. Aparicio said he often had trouble walking without pain.
“There were times when I couldn’t even walk, because of the pain,” Mr. Aparicio, who is 57 years old, said.
Dr. Kanawade is very good at explaining the treatment for his condition — in addition to being “excellent and super knowledgeable,” Mr. Aparicio said.
“He explains things point-by-point and step-by-step,” Mr. Aparicio added.
He said the nurses and staff at Mission Regional Medical Center were “very professional, knowledgeable and kind … they showed concern.”
Dr. Kanawade is a Fellow of the International College of Surgeons and a member of the Royal College of Surgeons. He completed a Clinical Fellowship in Orthopedic Surgery of the Spine at Ohio State University and a Clinical Research Fellowship in Robotic and Computer Navigation Adult Joint Reconstruction at the University of Southern California.
Knee replacement surgery at Mission Regional can benefit patients who have difficulty walking due to knee pain. Patients with symptoms can make an appointment with Dr. Kanawade – often during the same week — for an evaluation of their condition.
Dr. Kanawade’s clinic, “Restore Joints and Spine”, is located in the Mission Doctors Plaza West building, adjacent to Mission Regional Medical Center (at 910 S. Bryan Road, Suite 205). For more information, please call (956) 598-7070 and visit www.JointsAndSpines.com/.
About Mission Regional Medical Center
Mission Regional Medical Center is a leading healthcare provider in the Mission area, committed to delivering comprehensive medical services and compassionate care to the community. With a team of highly skilled healthcare professionals and state-of-the-art facilities, the hospital is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of patients.
