Smith & Nephew Launches VISIONAIRE(TM) Patient Matched Technology for Total Knee Replacement
(NYSE: SNN, LSE: SN) Orthopaedic Reconstruction & Trauma today announced the
introduction of VISIONAIRE Patient Matched instrumentation for use in total
knee replacement surgery. The VISIONAIRE system is proprietary technology that
uses a patient’s MRI and x-rays to create custom surgical instrumentation for
use with the Smith & Nephew portfolio of high performance knee implants.
By using instruments designed from each patient’s anatomical data,
surgeons can accommodate the unique shapes and angles of the joint while
precisely aligning the implant. The disposable, patient-specific instruments
help surgeons eliminate multiple steps and valuable minutes from knee
replacement surgery, thus decreasing the risk of infection as well as the
amount of time a patient is under anesthesia.
Additionally, the VISIONAIRE system helps hospitals reduce expenses as it
eliminates the sterilization costs associated with the traditional, reusable
instruments it replaces.
“VISIONAIRE instrumentation is a mutually beneficial technology for
patients, surgeons, hospitals and Smith & Nephew,” said
president of Smith & Nephew Orthopaedic Reconstruction & Trauma. “The
VISIONAIRE system is a core component of our strategy. Patient matched
technology is the future of orthopedics and the future of Smith & Nephew, and
this launch represents the start of our efforts.”
VISIONAIRE technology received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) in
markets throughout 2009. The company is working to expand its use of this
proprietary technology across its portfolio of high performance implants for
knee and hip replacement and resurfacing.
Smith & Nephew is the first and only major medical device company to
design, build and distribute this powerful new technology for patients
suffering from advanced osteoarthritis of the knee. Other implant makers rely
on systems designed and built by third parties.
About us
Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specializing in
Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Orthopaedic Trauma & Clinical Therapies, Endoscopy
and Advanced Wound Management products. Smith & Nephew is a global leader in
arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the leading global
orthopaedics companies.
Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people’s lives. The
Company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons
and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with
high standards of performance, innovation and trust. The company has 8,800
employees and operates in 32 countries around the world. Annual Sales in 2007
were nearly
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SOURCE Smith & Nephew, Inc.