Dr. Keith Mankin Completed his Hundredth Scoliosis Fusion Using a Breakthrough Blood Conservation Device

Raleigh, N.C. (July 2010)- Dr. Keith Mankin, chief of the Pediatric Service at ROC, completed his hundredth scoliosis fusion using a breakthrough blood conservation device called the Aqaumantys.  The device, a product of Salient Surgical, seals large surface areas during surgery to help prevent excessive blood loss.

“Since the 1980s, we have recognized that blood transfusions are potentially hazardous to the health of surgical patients, but some surgeries, like spinal fusions for spinal curvature, may lose a large volume of blood,” quotes Dr. Mankin.  “I have always been very interested in keeping blood loss to a minimum.  The Aquamantys device has reduced blood loss in my spinal fusions by as much as 75%.  None of my fusion patients on whom I have used a device has needed a transfusion.”  He cites recent studies that place the average rate of transfusion across the country at more than 50% of fusion cases.

The decreased blood loss during surgery has other benefits besides transfusion rates, says Dr. Mankin.  “We can see much better during the surgery, so the procedure may be safer and quicker.  Also, the patients feel much better in the postoperative course and can leave the hospital as much as a day or more sooner.”

Dr. Mankin completed his hundredth surgery with the Aquamantys in June.  “I am excited to be involved in ground breaking improvements in scoliosis surgery at a time when so much attention is on the disorder.  I hope that this device and other breakthroughs continue to make scoliosis treatment safer and more effective.”

About Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic
Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic (ROC) is Wake County's largest and oldest orthopaedic practice. The orthopaedic surgeons of ROC are fellowship trained in their respective subspecialty areas, which include: foot and ankle, hand and wrist, spine, hip, shoulder and elbow surgery, total joint replacement, sports medicine, and pediatric orthopaedic care. Ancillary services include physical therapy, magnetic resonance imaging, radiology, shock wave therapy, and orthotics and pedorthics. The Athletic Performance Center, a division of ROC, provides sports physical therapy and sports performance enhancement services for healthy and injured athletes. ROC is the Official Sports Medicine Provider of the Carolina Hurricanes, NC State University, the Carolina Ballet, and multiple high school sports programs in Wake County. ROC has offices in Raleigh, North Raleigh, Cary, and Garner. Complete Practice information is available at www.raleighortho.com.