Burnaby Hospital deploys advanced surgical robot

BURNABY, BC – A retired nurse is the first patient in B.C. to receive a new hip with the aid of the Mako robotic-arm assisted surgical system at Burnaby Hospital. Maureen Coutts spent most of her 44-year nursing career in operating rooms at Vancouver General Hospital, Delta Hospital, Surrey Memorial Hospital and Peace Arch Hospital.

“I’ve seen so much innovation over the years that helps patients,” says Maureen. “I just never imagined I would be the recipient of it.”

On April 24, 2025, Maureen became the first patient in B.C. to have a hip replacement with the aid of the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted System, the first of its kind in Western Canada.

“The robotic-assisted system brings more precision to total joint replacement,” says Dr. Tim Kostamo (pictured), division head, orthopedics, Burnaby Hospital. “There is a better match between the implant and the patient’s anatomy.”

Prior to surgery, Maureen underwent CT imaging to create a 3D image of her joint, which allowed the surgical team to make a customized plan based on her anatomy. During the surgery, surgeons guided the robotic arm, adjusting as necessary based on visual and audio cues from the arm’s software.

“Post-surgery, patients report a better range of motion and less pain with this system compared to traditional joint-replacement surgery” says Dr. Kostamo.

Burnaby Hospital Foundation and its donors funded the $2.3-million system so patients like Maureen can get the best surgical care. More than 100 patients have received robotic-assisted knee replacements since the system was implemented in the spring of 2024.

“Robotic-assisted surgery is a game changer for the way orthopedic surgeries are performed at Burnaby Hospital,” says Burnaby Hospital Foundation president & CEO, Kristy James. “We are grateful to our donors who give so generously to fund advancements in health care in our community.”

The innovative surgical system is an example of Burnaby Hospital’s commitment to excellence in orthopedics. Burnaby Hospital was also the first hospital in the Fraser Health region to launch same-day discharge for hip and knee replacement surgery.

As the weather improves, Maureen is looking forward to doing the activities she loves, including long walks and outings with her seven-year-old granddaughter.

“My granddaughter asked me if we would be walking to the park without my cane this summer and I told her, ‘Absolutely,’” says Maureen. “I’m doing what I need to do to recover, and the rest is just the tincture of time.”