Hackensack University Medical Center Performed First Total Knee Replacement Surgery in the Nation Utilizing the Groundbreaking TSolution One® Total Knee Application after FDA Approval

Hackensack University Medical Center recently performed the first total knee replacement surgery in the nation utilizing the TSolution One® Total Knee Application by THINK Surgical, Inc. after the groundbreaking technology received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in October 2019. Hackensack University Medical Center is a national leader in orthopedic care and robotic surgery, and the TSolution One® surgical system is an innovative solution for treating osteoarthritis and features an active robot for orthopedic surgery.

“At Hackensack Meridian Health, our patients are at the center of everything we do,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “We are always looking for ways to utilize new technology to deliver better care, and we are excited that Hackensack University Medical Center is the first hospital in the nation to use this advanced robotic technology to transform orthopedic care.”

In January, Hackensack University Medical Center became the first hospital in the nation to acquire the TSolution One® surgical system, which combines two exclusive innovations to advance total joint replacement surgery to offer a more personal and precise surgical experience.

“The TSolution One® surgical system offers osteoarthritis patients precise bone-cutting technology that will improve outcomes," said Mark D. Sparta, FACHE, president and chief hospital executive, Hackensack University Medical Center and executive vice president of Population Health, Hackensack Meridian Health. “Hackensack University Medical Center has an outstanding surgical robotics and orthopedic program, and we look forward to enhancing the patient experience with the latest technological advances.”

“Hackensack University Medical Center’s nationally-recognized orthopedic and robotic surgery team offers patients the most advanced, cutting-edge technology to improve their quality of life,” said Michael A. Kelly, M.D. chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center. “We are honored to be the first hospital in the country to perform total knee replacement surgery utilizing this state-of-the-art robot technology that provides a more personal surgical plan for our patients.”

On February 10, Yair David Kissin, M.D., performed the first total knee replacement surgery utilizing the TSolution One® surgical system on Eugenia Dziopa, 64, of Sussex, New Jersey at Hackensack University Medical Center. Mrs. Dziopa suffers from severe arthritis in her knee. Mrs. Dziopa considers herself an active person who is a mother and grandmother. Over the last 6 to 8 months, her arthritis worsened, her pain level increased, and activity level decreased. Nonoperative forms of treatment, such as injections and physical therapy, did not improve her situation. She began considering total knee replacement when she learned about the TSolution One® Total Knee Application.

“My arthritis was getting to the point where I couldn’t walk two blocks without stopping to take a break, and I knew that I needed to do something in order to maintain my quality of life" said Mrs. Dziopa.  “That’s when my doctors at Hackensack University Medical Center told me about the TSolution One® surgical system. I knew that a robotic-assisted surgery would help provide more precision. As I recover, I look forward to spending quality time with my family without my arthritis getting in the way."

The TSolution One® Total Knee Application consists of a 3D pre-surgical planning workstation and a computer assisted tool. The pre-surgical planning allows the surgeon to design and prepare the patient's unique joint replacement plan using a choice of implant options in a virtual environment. During the joint replacement surgery, the surgeon implements the patient's pre-planned procedure using the active robot, which prepares the joint according to the surgeon's plan for precise placement of implants.

“Hackensack University Medical Center is proud to offer the TSolution One® Total Knee Application, the only active robot system in the country treating patients with conditions like osteoarthritis, to improve patient outcomes,” said Yair David Kissin, M.D., vice chair, Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center, who performed the first surgery since the technology received FDA approval in the United States. “We look forward to enhancing the quality of life for our orthopedic patients by planning a more personalized surgery utilizing the latest in robotic technology rather than standard surgical instruments.”

Dr. Kissin is one of five surgeons who participated in the investigational clinical trial, which confirmed the safety and efficacy of the TSolution One® Total Knee Application compared to traditional knee replacement using manual surgical instrumentation.

The Center for Joint Replacement at Hackensack University Medical Center is the only joint replacement program in Bergen County, New Jersey and one of only four in the state to receive Advanced Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement Certification from the Joint Commission. This recognition is awarded to hospitals that have developed consistent communication and collaboration among all healthcare providers involved in the care of the patient — from the pre-surgical orthopedic consultation through the procedure, recovery and follow-up care. Hackensack University Medical Center is also a top performer in the country for achieving a high volume of surgeries efficiently and with a low rate of postoperative infection — an indicator of quality care. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the orthopedic program among the top 50 in the nation for outstanding quality of care.

For more information, please contact Mary McGeever, Manager, Communications & Public Relations, mary.mcgeever@hmhn.org or 551-996-1730.