Alliance to Develop Surgical Navigation Systems

An exclusive agreement to develop surgical navigation systems for minimally invasive joint replacement procedures has been announced by Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (Warsaw, IN, USA) and Medtronic, Inc. (Minneapolis, MN, USA). The goal of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) joint replacement procedures is to minimize blood loss, shorten hospital stays, and speed postsurgical rehabilitation.

The two companies will collaborate on the development of joint replacement applications for Medtronic's optical image-guidance technology, StealthStation, and on new image-guidance concepts. Zimmer believes that tools can be developed that will enhance the surgeon's ability to align and place implants, even through small surgical openings. The company notes that there was an important increase in the use of its Unicompartmental Knee when MIS instrumentation was introduced. Zimmer is currently working with surgeons on an MIS two-incision hip replacement technique.

"We believe minimally invasive joint replacement will be a mainstay of orthopedics in the not-too-distant future,” said Ray Elliott, president and CEO of Zimmer. "Today, orthopedic patients are demanding a less traumatic procedure and a quicker return to their active lifestyle.”




Related Links:
Zimmer
Medtronic