Surrey, B.C. - Surrey Memorial Hospital is on the cutting edge of joint replacement surgery. The hospital is the first in British Columbia, and only the third in Canada, to use a computer-assisted tool that has been described as similar to a global positioning system (GPS) for the surgeon. Doctors Sean Brown and Robert Froh have now performed the first in a series of minimally invasive, two-incision hip replacement surgeries with the assistance of this navigation unit.

The navigation unit offers a 3-dimentional computer simulation of the patient. The hospital is utilizing the device as part of a research study based out of St. Cloud, Minnesota. Surrey Memorial Hospital is the only Canadian facility taking part in the study, which will determine the benefits of the two-incision procedure.

"The navigation unit tightens up the accuracy, so surgeons who do a lot of joint replacements and are good at them can get even better," says Dr. Froh. "By increasing the accuracy in component positioning, we are hoping to get better longevity and better overall function."

The unit is also designed for smaller incisions. That means the opportunity for less blood loss during surgery, shorter hospital stays, and less rehabilitation for the patient. Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation is committed to raising money for the unit.

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Pictures of recent surgeries are available. Interview opportunities by request.

For more information contact:

Jason Howe
Media Relations Manager
Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation
604-585-5666 ext 8284
cell: 604-613-6873
jason.howe[at]fraserhealth.ca