Frequently asked questions.
Find answers to commonly asked questions about your knee and hip replacement surgery with ARVIS®.
ARVIS insurance coverage.
As coverage varies state-to-state and payer-to-payer, we recommend that you direct questions regarding insurance coverage to the billing department of your surgeon’s or hospital’s office. Additionally, directly contact your insurance company or your human resources department to better understand your policy.
ARVIS is dedicated to expanding patient access to our technology. The appeals process allows health plans to review denials in accordance with their medical policies and clinical guidelines. We encourage you to review your case with our reimbursement specialists at 1.302.252.9160 to determine if we can help you with your appeals process.
Patient FAQ.
Your surgeon will remove the damaged parts of your joint and resurface or replace them with metal and plastic parts designed for your healthy remaining bone.
Every surgery is different, and it depends which joint is being replaced. You should talk to your surgeon, but joint replacement surgery typically lasts one or two hours.
Any patient who is a candidate for joint replacement is a candidate for ARVIS.
Only you and your doctor can make that decision. There is a lot you can do to manage your joint pain before having surgery. Your doctor may recommend supplements, physical therapy, medication, injections, or weight loss if appropriate. When your pain is no longer responding to these treatments, and when it is affecting your sleep or quality of life, it may be time to explore surgical options. Questions to ask yourself include, “Have I already tried other therapies?” and “Is my pain affecting my quality of life?”
ARVIS can be used in surgery to aid the surgeon and help improve accuracy during joint replacement. Improving accuracy of the placement of your joint can improve your recovery time. ARVIS is the only AR technology designed specifically for joint replacement surgery. Importantly, ARVIS allows your surgeon to keep their eyes on you and the field of surgery rather than looking away at a screen as with other robotic technologies. This is possible because the ARVIS technology is in the AR glasses that the surgeon wears. Lastly, ARVIS is more environmentally friendly than other technologies because there are no consumables or items that must be thrown away after surgery.
The risks of joint replacement with ARVIS are the same as the risks with joint replacement in general. Talk to your doctor about any health concerns you have. They will explain the potential risks and complications of joint replacement, including those related to the surgery itself and those that can occur over time after your surgery. Most complications can be treated successfully. Some of the more common complications of joint replacement surgery include infection, blood clots, nerve injury, and prosthesis problems like loosening or dislocation. Possible adverse effects include premature implant failure, dislocation or instability, decreased range of motion, limping, infection, tissue injury, nerve injury and weakness, fracture, foreign body reaction, increased anesthesia time, heart attack, vascular injury, neck injury, burns, electrical shock, and cardiovascular injury.
It is important to prepare yourself and your home for your recovery. You will want to create pathways free of rugs, cords, clutter, pets, pet toys, and anything else that could cause a fall. If you have a multistory home, you will want to create a place to recover and sleep on the ground floor in order to avoid stairs during your initial recovery. Handrails should be secured, and you may want to install grab bars in your bathroom and shower. If you are having your hip replaced, you will need a raised toilet seat as well as elevated seating to avoid dislocation while your hip heals. Consider keeping items like glasses, books, water, medication, snacks, and tissues near you. You can also consider preparing meals ahead and freezing them as well as finding a buddy to encourage you during your recovery. Healing is a process, and it is important to be prepared both physically and mentally. For more tips on how to prepare your home, click here.
Yes. The first few days home are the most difficult. Ask for help or arrange for in-home care. If you have a spouse or anyone living with you, it can still be important to ask for an additional set of hands.
- You will need help with the following:
- Changing bandages
- Getting dressed
- Bathing
- Cooking
- Grocery shopping
- Household chores
- Taking care of pets or other dependents in your household
- Navigating stairs
- Getting to and from doctor appointments
This depends on the joint you are having replaced, and every patient varies. Talk to your surgeon about your expected recovery timeline and milestones.