DePuy Synthes, Radlink Sign Hip Replacement Imaging Agreement
By Jof Enriquez,
Follow me on Twitter @jofenriq
Johnson & Johnson’s orthopaedic unit DePuy Synthes recently signed a global agreement with Radlink, Inc. to market and sell the latter’s advanced hip imaging solutions.
Under the deal, Radlink will provide DePuy with exclusive rights to market the Radlink Galileo Positioning System (GPS) radiographic imaging system with Surgeon’s Checklist software for use with DePuy’s hip replacement systems, according to a press release from DePuy.
“The GPS provides surgeons with real-time intra-operative imaging and navigation, and easy-to-follow steps that are designed to help them address key challenges in hip replacement, such as component positioning, sizing, leg length and offset restoration for all surgical approaches,” according to the release. “With advanced intraoperative imaging that processes and displays in only four seconds, the GPS has the potential to significantly reduce the time, labor, and expense associated with traditional digital imaging technology.”
According to Radlink’s website, GPS consists of “a digital flat panel detector that captures X-ray images from any brand of X-ray generator and displays them on a 21.5” touch screen monitors within 4 seconds, compared to standard film X-rays which take minutes to develop. A second 21.5” touch-screen monitor displays the patient’s pre-op image for the surgeon to reference during the procedure.”
Radlink’s proprietary Surgeon Checklist software runs on the monitors, guiding surgeons on the precise placement of hip implants. The company claims the software reduces post-operative dislocation rates, limb length discrepancy (LLD), and femoral component failure rates.
This is the second advanced imaging deal DePuy has made in the past year. According to its release, the company last fall partnered with Blue Belt Technologies for its Navio Surgical System’s first clinical use with DePuy’s SIGMA High Performance (HP) Partial Unicondylar Knee. As described, the Navio system combines CT-free navigation software with a hand-held robotic-assisted bone shaping tool that is designed to bring a high degree of implant placement accuracy along with soft tissue balancing benefits.
“The GPS and Navio technologies are significant innovations that will help physicians deliver care as effectively and efficiently as possible,” Max Reinhardt, franchise unit leader, DePuy Synthes Companies, said in the release. “We have chosen what we believe are among the best technologies in the marketplace that, when complemented by DePuy Synthes Companies’ products, will provide a total solution and therefore maximize patient care.”
Both GPS and Navio-enabled SIGMA Partial Unicondylar Knee will be initially available in the United States, but are launching in other markets soon.
DePuy has been strengthening its portfolio of orthopaedic products with advanced imaging solutions lately. Last month, it acquired Olive Medical Corporation, a provider of high definition (HD) visualization systems for minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The move allows DePuy to enter the growing arthroscopic visualization market to serve patients with shoulder, knee, hip, and small joint pain or injury.