The ASTI System from Value Forces
ASTI (Auto Stem THA Insertion)
The ASTI system is a bone condition sensing system and femoral implant auto-insertion device. It is designed to reduce intraoperative fracture and aseptic loosening of the stem that result in early revision THA surgery.
The ASTI system comprises the following subsystems: -
- Auto-impactor under closed loop control to adjust impact force and frequency based on sensory feedback of bone condition changes.
- Algorithm for auto-impactor real-time force and frequency feedback based on the sensor readings of bone condition changes.
- Sensors detecting bone condition changes in real-time after each impact. Bone condition changes are detected in 3 phases during THA
Phase 1 - asperity removal, low stress (minimal friction)
Phase 2 - microcrack generation, increasing stress (friction)
Phase 3 - higher microcrack density, higher stress (higher friction)
The ASTI sensor system detects microcracks that develop in the femur during broach and stem insertion. The microcracks that develop precede a fracture and cannot be observed by the naked eye or even by X-ray. This is a unique feature of the ASTI system to support the prediction of fracture risk level. The ASTI system will deliver precise impaction forces to ensure that broaches and stems are inserted safely to improve clinical outcomes. The manual mallet which can result in uncontrolled high impaction forces causing fractures, is replaced by the ASTI system.
Robotic Platform Integration
The ASTI subsystems are available for integration with THA robotic platforms. Today there are no robotic platforms for THA that can sense bone condition changes in real-time and assist the surgeon with broach and stem impaction. This is currently a gap that prevents robotic surgery from becoming a ubiquitous solution for THA globally. Integrating the ASTI system technology will close this gap by creating a smart robot arm end-effector for femoral implant insertion based on sensory feedback from the bone.
Positive Consequences of the ASTI system solution
Patient wellness: Quality of life post-surgery and lower financial impact
Less revisions: Quality of life post-surgery and lower financial impact
Revision cost: Cost savings for national health systems and insurers.
Prostheses data: Component survivability data improved
Mortality rate: No negative impact on patient mortality rates
Clinical outcomes: Less fractures and less aseptic loosening
Less physical THA: Some women students concern of physical strength.
