Dr. Laurent Guiot of ACCESS Specialty Hospital-Los Angeles built the robotic device to enhance the well-being of dogs and cats
January 10, 2024 (LOS ANGELES) – Dr. Laurent Guiot, a leading orthopedic surgeon at ACCESS Specialty Hospital-Los Angeles, has spearheaded a groundbreaking approach in veterinary care with the development of a robotic device to assist with minimally invasive orthopedic surgeries on dogs and cats. This approach improves the potential for a swifter healing process, reduces the risk of infection, and results in an overall less invasive surgical experience for the pet.
Dr. Guiot built the innovative robotic assistant from a kit and customized parts using a 3D printer. Additionally, the robot is controlled with accuracy using an X-Box joystick, allowing him to precisely stabilize the patient's affected joint before inserting a securing screw. By leveraging this technology, Guiot can perform orthopedic procedures without resorting to a large incision, opting instead for a smaller one.
“We have shown that our one-of-a-kind robotic-assisted procedure permitted accurate surgical execution in a couple of cases,” said Dr. Guiot. “Like human doctors, veterinarians are always striving for the least invasive, most comfortable surgical experience for our patients, and our new procedure has helped us make great strides to that end.”
Dogs and cats, like humans, can suffer from painful ankle, knee, hip and elbow maladies that require orthopedic surgery. Recovery time after an open surgical procedure can take 8-12 weeks, depending on the specific condition being treated, the type of surgery performed, and the individual animal’s overall health and healing capabilities. After an open surgical procedure, animals are typically required to rest and limit their physical activity to allow for proper healing, which may be hard to manage if you have an active pet.
Minimally invasive orthopedic surgery offers several potential benefits for dogs and cats compared to traditional open surgical procedures. Some of these benefits include:
Faster recovery time – allowing pets to return to their normal activities sooner and reduce the overall impact on their quality of life.
Reduced tissue trauma – smaller incisions result in less damage to surrounding tissues and muscles. This can result in less postoperative pain.
Lower risk of infection – smaller incisions and less tissue trauma may lower the risk of postoperative infections, which is beneficial to the overall health and well-being of the pet.
Smaller scars – smaller incisions can result in smaller scars and better cosmetic outcomes for the pet.
Reduced blood loss during surgery – this is particularly advantageous for pets with underlying health conditions.
“We’re looking forward to continued success using the robot to assist with orthopedic surgeries,” said Dr. Guiot. “We plan to invest in additional research to improve robotic arm performance.”
Highly specialized, board-certified doctors at the ACCESS Bone and Joint Center have performed more than 2,000 orthopedic procedures, and the center is known for its advanced technology and innovation, as well as its 24/7 post-operative care for hospitalized patients recovering from surgery.
About Laurent Guiot DVM, DACVS, DECVS
Dr. Laurent Guiot, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, graduated with a veterinary medicine degree from the University of Liege (Belgium) in 2004. Board-certified by the American and European College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2011, he has held prominent positions, including assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Michigan State University. Since his arrival at ACCESS, he co-developed with Dr. Reunan Guillou the first comprehensive total joint replacement center in California, offering surgeries like total elbow, hip, knee, and ankle replacements. Recognized for his expertise, Dr. Guiot is a Founding Fellow in minimally invasive orthopedic surgery for the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, facilitating the establishment of an official training center for such procedures. Actively engaged in national and international orthopedic programs, he serves as the chair of the educational commission for AO Vet North America. He was also recently elected president of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society, a group of surgeons dedicated to the advancement of veterinary orthopedics. Dr. Guiot is dedicated to advancing patient care through innovative surgical techniques, instruments, and implants, solidifying his position as a leader in the field of veterinary orthopedics.
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Thrive Pet Healthcare is a leading veterinary service network that uniquely delivers a continuum of care to pet families and services to veterinary hospitals. With an industry-first membership program and more than 380 acute, primary, and specialty providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare offers personalized, accessible care through every stage of a pet’s life and health. The veterinarian-founded organization provides premier benefits for practice staff while elevating privately held veterinary hospitals with innovative service and technology solutions. By focusing on the needs and aspirations of veterinary care providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the industry and raising the national bar for veterinary excellence. To learn more about Thrive Pet Healthcare, please visit
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