Frost & Sullivan Applauds Blue Belt Technologies for Establishing the Industry Standard for Image-Guided Orthopedic Surgery with its Navio® Surgical System

MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, May 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Based on its recent analysis of the orthopedic surgery market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Blue Belt Technologies, Inc. with the 2014 Global Frost & Sullivan Award for Enabling Technology Leadership. Blue Belt Technologies’ Navio® system is best-in-class, computer-guided assistance for orthopedic surgery. Its robust technology platform improves visualization of the operative environment, which, in turn, enables better planning and precise execution of the surgery.

The Navio® system consists of the Navio® Precision Freehand Sculpting (PFS), a handheld, robotic-assisted surgical instrument; and a computer-based planning and navigation system. The handheld system is guided by advanced robotics and customized algorithms for precision during delicate, technically challenging, procedures.

“The system houses an optical camera directly above the surgical site, allowing the surgeon to re-create a three-dimensional model of the patient’s anatomy and kinematics during the procedure,” said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Bhargav Rajan. “The Navio® planning suite is fed with patient information and the background of the surgery, which then simulates the procedure and conveys the same to the handheld instrument. The guided and closed-loop approach can increase accuracy and reduce human error.”

The Navio® system has proved its worth in unicondylar and patellofemoral knee replacement (UKR/PFJ) or partial knee replacement procedures. During this procedure, osteoarthritic regions of the knee bone are identified and replaced using a metal implant. The computer-guided instrumentation also prevents the surgeon from cutting out too much or too little of the site, reducing post-surgery complications and revisions.

Additionally, the Navio® system’s computed tomography (CT)-free approach to intra-operative visualization and computer navigation features lower patients’ exposure to radiation, hospital expenditure, and the number of pre-surgery procedures.

However, the true potential of the Navio® system lies in its scalability; its flexible and broad-based technology platform expands its application possibilities. Blue Belt Technologies aims to expand the device’s application areas to sports medicine, neurosurgery, otolaryngology (ENT), spinal and other surgical specialties.

By maintaining an open and flexible platform for orthopedic implants, Blue Belt Technologies also allows surgeons to continue using implants that they are comfortable with, while simultaneously encouraging them to switch to a robotic-assisted surgery platform.

Importantly, Blue Belt Technologies has built a strong patent portfolio and displayed continued commitment to excellence and innovation in robotic surgical systems. The device received 510(k) regulatory clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2012, as well as a CE mark for marketing and clinical use in the European Union.

“The Navio® system’s superior product features, open architecture and opportunity for improved clinical outcomes have reinforced the need for robotic systems in surgeries,” noted Rajan. “In the long run, the Navio® system is expected to set the standard not just for the orthopedic surgery industry, but for robotic-assisted surgical devices as a whole.”

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to a company that has developed a pioneering technology that not only enhances current products, but also enables the development of newer products and applications. The award recognizes the high market acceptance potential of the recipient’s technology.

Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for outstanding achievement in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research.