[Tyler]

Robotic Sternum Separator Draws Curves
     






The sternum stands between the surgeon and the vital organs within the
chest.
Typically it is simply sawed through then fixated afterwards with hardware.
This fixation is imperfect and movement between the pieces can cause
pain and even life-threatening issues.
A new
system by novoSurge uses x-rays and ultrasound under robotic control
to precisely cut a path.
The interesting part is that the path is not straight but sinusoidal so
that the pieces fit back together better than a straight cut - sort of
like a puzzle.
This can lead to quicker healing for the patient and fewer complications.
Hat tip to the fine folks at medGadget

   

http://robots.net/article/3068.html