Johnson & Johnson's orthopaedics division DePuy Synthes has announced that Australian surgeons will be among the first in the world to access the next generation of robotics.
The company said the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution, indicated for use with the ATTUNE Knee System for total knee arthroplasty, has been approved by the TGA.
Sue Martin, the managing director of Johnson & Johnson Medical Australia and New Zealand, said, “Australia joins an exclusive list of just a few countries with access to this technology to date. The introduction of the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution is testament to Johnson & Johnson Medical Device’s ongoing commitment to create innovative technologies that help hospitals and surgeons improve patient outcomes and advance the sustainability of Australia’s healthcare system.”
The company said the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution simplifies knee replacement surgery.
Dr Mark Clatworthy, an orthopaedic knee surgeon based in Auckland, last year became the first surgeon in the world to perform surgery using this technology.
“I’ve used the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution in 60 of my ATTUNE Knee procedures and have found it to be accurate, fast and efficient,” said Dr Clatworthy.
“This next generation device enables me to evaluate the bony anatomy and soft tissue envelope of the knee to plan the optimal implant position and then use the robotic-assisted solution to deliver and execute the plan. I’ve found my knees to be well balanced at the end of the procedure and my patients are doing well post-operatively.”
According to Ben Travers, the vice president of DePuy Synthes Australia, “VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution works exclusively with the ATTUNE Knee System, which studies have shown can improve clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes, as well as contribute to a shorter length of stay in hospital. Supporting the ‘patient specific alignment’ surgical method, VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution has also been designed to assist surgeons in providing a knee alignment that is tailored to each patient’s anatomy.
“With the addition of VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution to our VELYS Digital Surgery Platform, we are continuing our vision to be the most personalised and connected orthopaedics company,” he adds.
The company said it it supporting the introduction of the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution by providing a range of training solutions to enable surgeons and their teams to test and familiarise themselves with the technology and how it operates.
“To support a next generation robotic solution, we’ve made a significant investment in next generation training to provide comprehensive, accessible, and personalised learning to the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution,” said Travers, adding they include a semi-trailer mounted mobile lab with a self-contained meeting, training, and lab space.
“Our high-tech mobile lab is the first of its kind in Australia. We’ll bring it to hospitals and clinical teams to facilitate hands-on learning, without the need for them to travel to undertake lab-based training,” added Travers.