DePuy Synthes strikes deal for RF tracking technology in orthopedic surgery

DePuy Synthes has signed a definitive agreement to acquire selective rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize Gemtrack technology across its joint reconstruction portfolio, the company announced Tuesday.

The agreement covers shoulder, hip and knee applications for both navigation and robotic-assisted surgery. The Gemtrack technology was developed by MinMaxMedical, a France-based medical technology company focused on surgical innovation.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Pending product development and regulatory approvals, DePuy Synthes said it plans to introduce radiofrequency miniature tracker technology into joint reconstruction procedures through its VELYS enabling technology platform.

Current orthopedic robotic and navigation systems typically rely on infrared cameras, direct line-of-sight tracking and invasive pins or bulky tracking arrays attached to patients during surgery. According to the company, radiofrequency tracking could reduce dependence on line-of-sight systems and invasive anchors while enabling continuous real-time tracking.

“This new collaboration will be applied broadly to the VELYS ecosystem to reduce the reliance on line-of-sight dependent navigation and offering the potential for improved navigation precision,” Namal Nawana, worldwide president of DePuy Synthes, said in a statement.

Nawana said the companies have previously collaborated on the VELYS robotic-assisted solution for knee arthroplasty and robotic assistance technology for spine procedures.

The companies said additional program milestones and timing details will be announced as development and regulatory work progresses.

DePuy Synthes said the technology could potentially establish a new standard for integrated image-guided and robotic-assisted joint surgery.