Blue Belt Technologies, Inc., a developer of surgical devices out of Pittsburgh, PA, has received CE Mark for the Navio PFS System. The system comprises a robotic handheld cutting tool and a camera system interfaced to planning and navigation software. The software platform provides virtual cutting guides for the surgeon by visually tracking the motion of the cutting tool in real time using the stereoscopic camera system. The system aims to improve the precision and effectiveness of orthopedic procedures.
According to the press release, the system is initially cleared for partial knee replacements:
A partial knee replacement is surgery to replace either the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) compartment of the knee with an implant. Partial knee replacements are bone-sparing and have been shown to provide better surgical outcomes for patients with cartilage damage contained to a single compartment when compared to total joint replacement. The majority of partial knee replacement surgeries are currently performed using instruments which can be inconsistent and lead to high revision and retreatment rates.
The motion tracking feature of the system is very neat and essentially brings another little bit of augmented reality to the theater. It would be nice to see the responsiveness of the system to the movement of the cutting tool. In the meantime we look forward to the roll out of the Navio System.
Press release: Blue Belt Technologies Receives CE Mark for Navio PFS System…
Product page: Navio PFS…