Zimmer Biomet Heats Up Surgical Robotics with New FDA NodZimmer Biomet Heats Up Surgical Robotics with New FDA Nod

Zimmer Biomet brought excitement to the surgical robotics space this past week with the announcement of its latest product. The Warsaw, IN-based company said it had  received a nod from FDA for the ROSA Knee System for robotically-assisted total knee replacement surgeries.

The system provides a continuum of data analysis to assist in complex decision-making and enables surgeons to use computer and software technology to control and move surgical instruments, allowing for greater precision and flexibility during procedures. The company said ROSA Knee features the  X-Atlas imaging protocol—which provides x-ray based preoperative imaging to create a 3D model and plan of a patient's bone anatomy—and intraoperative, real-time mapping of a patient's anatomy and motion to help surgeons personalize procedures and improve outcomes.

A panel titled Fostering Innovation with Medical Robotics will be held at MD&M West on Feb. 5 in Anaheim, CA.

“Complementing the skill and expertise of the surgeon with ROSA Knee’s robotically-assisted technologies can improve accuracy, precision and consistency, which can improve patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes and efficiency,” Christopher Cannova, MD, Washington Joint Institute at OrthoBethesda, said in a release. “ROSA Knee functions as a surgical assistant that gives me the tools and real-time data to perform bone cuts with greater precision and improve patient-specific soft-tissue balancing and implant alignment, without losing my feel for a natural fit and flexion.”ROSA Knee uses Zimmer Biomet’s ROSA Robotics platform, which includes ROSA Brain for neurosurgical procedures.

The clearance comes on the heels of Zimmer Biomet scoring a lucrative partnership with Cupertino, CA-based Apple. Terms of the collaboration called for Zimmer Biomet to use the mymobility app with the Apple Watch to monitor a patient as they progress through their hip or knee replacement journey.