Tennessee Patent of the Month – June 2024
Blue Belt Technologies, Inc., a medical device company, has pioneered a transformative method for total hip arthroplasty revision, promising enhanced precision and efficiency in orthopedic surgeries. Their innovative approach begins with a virtual 3D model of the existing implant within the target bone, crafted using a surgical instrument comprising a point probe, a tracking array, and a cutting burr. This model guides the removal of the existing implant, setting the stage for meticulous bone preparation.
Post-removal, a second tracking array is installed on the target bone, allowing for another virtual 3D model that reflects the bone’s new state. The method then involves the removal of any unwanted bone portions and further refinement, continuously guided by the updated 3D models. This process culminates in a detailed surgical plan, which ensures precise removal of bone sections, optimal selection and fitting of the revision implant, and alignment using advanced surgical navigation systems.
A standout feature of this invention is the collection and display of range-of-motion data, enhancing the customization of implant placement. The surgical system’s real-time tracking capabilities ensure the alignment and orientation of instruments and bones are accurately monitored, minimizing errors and improving patient outcomes.
Blue Belt Technologies’ system, equipped with a control system and tracking sensors, revolutionizes implant revisions by reducing the need for extensive instrumentation and imaging. The real-time data collection and virtual modeling not only streamline the surgical process but also ensure a perfect fit for the new implant, tailored to the patient’s anatomy.
This breakthrough promises significant reductions in surgery time, costs, and potential complications, marking a significant leap forward in orthopedic surgery. By leveraging advanced robotic systems and precise virtual modeling, Blue Belt Technologies is setting a new standard in the field of orthopedic implant revisions.
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