Blue Belt Technologies, a US-based medical device company, has announced the first Navio unicondylar knee replacement (UKR) procedures performed in France.
Navio surgical system is an advancement in the way orthopedic surgeons can perform partial knee replacement. Using the robotics assisted technology, the system works to achieve precise positioning of the knee implant for consistently accurate results.
The system represents the next generation of precision orthopedic surgery, with an initial indication for use in UKR procedures and a wide array of future applications in development.
The UKR procedures were performed by Dr Philippe Neyret and Dr Sébastien Lustig at Hospices Civils de Lyon in France on 30 September, 15 October and 4 November 2013.
Dr Neyret used the Navio system to assist in surgical planning and precision bone preparation for the patient with lateral compartment osteoarthritis.
The Navio surgical system uses handheld robotic-controlled instrumentation to prepare bone for unicondylar knee replacement. Through advanced image-free navigation, Navio guides the surgeon in optimally planning and placing an implant, balancing a patient’s knee kinematics and delivering consistent results.
Blue Belt Technologies European general manager and vice president John Tierney said Navio continues to exceed clinical expectations in its initial applications across the global orthopaedic community.
"We are excited to engage with Professor Neyret and Dr. Lustig to showcase the Navio technology," Tierney added.
Image: Blue Belt Technologies performs first Navio unicondylar knee replacement procedures. Photo: Courtesy of BusinessWire/Blue Belt Technologies, Inc.