Ysbyty Gwynedd now official training centre for robotic knee surgery

15.07.24

Ysbyty Gwynedd has now officially become the first NHS robotic training centre in Wales to train other surgeons in robotic knee surgery.

The hospital became the first in Wales to perform robotic knee replacements in 2021 using the ROSA system.

Surgeons are able to personalise the knee replacement, which provides operations that are more precise, potentially shorter hospital stays and quicker recoveries.

Five Orthopaedic surgeons at the hospital now use the technology, and visiting surgeons from across the UK and Europe can now visit to gain insight into the machine and receive training.

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Muthu Ganapathi, who is the lead trainer on the robotic technology, said: “It is great news that we are now an official training centre for robotics using the ROSA system.

“This is really good news for the hospital and it provides a great opportunity to train other surgeons across the UK and Europe to use the ROSA system.”

The first visiting surgeon was Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Gautam Reddy from East Kent University Hospital NHS Trust.

He said: “This was a great opportunity to learn more about the ROSA system and observe the surgery.

“I also saw visible results in the patients who underwent this type of operation and I will be taking this experience back with me to my trust to share with colleagues who are also keen to visit to learn more.”

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Michael James Grant from Wrexham Maelor Hospital has also visited to see the robot in action.

He said: “I spent a day with the theatre team and it was very useful to see how they are using this robot and the results from it.

“I spent six months in New Zealand doing some robotic work and I hope this is something we can offer more patients in the future.”

The partnership with Zimmer Biomet has also provided the opportunity to create a Hip and Knee Robotic Fellowship role, which has been running since February 2024. This provides senior surgeons the opportunity to work with the Health Board for six months and train in robotics before applying for their Consultant role.