Visionaire Patient Matched Instrumentation (PMI) for Total Knee Replacement

Below is the news release from Smith & Nephew Orthopedics announcing the launch of VISIONAIRE Patient Matched technology for total knee replacement. I have had the opportunity of being one of the surgeons chosen to use this technology at the time of the FDA approval but prior to general release. Since November, 2008 I have implanted eleven Journey Oxinium Total Knees using Visionaire Patient Matched Instrumentation (PMI) custom instrumentation. In my opinion it is an excellent system to assist with precision placement of a total knee. This technology uses anatomic data specific to each individual patient which allows the surgeon to more precisely align the knee components compared to Traditional Total Knee Replacement. PMI does reduce operating room time, anesthesia time, and has a lower fracture risk compared to computer navigated Total Knee Replacement. Visionaire Patient Matched Instrumentation (PMI) is compatible with Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS). Surgeon skill is still required to properly balance the capsule/ligament structures leading to a stable, properly functioning knee. Top Photo: Cartoon of PMI Custom Block attached to Tibia - note cutting slot for precise proximal tibial resection. Lower Photo: Cartoon of PMI Custom Block attached to femur- note cutting slot for precise distal femoral cut. Note two holes on front face of block which properly rotates femoral component. . One day Smith and Nephew will have more information regarding this treatment option on their web site and I will link to this information as it becomes available.

Memphis, TN, February 23, 2009 – Smith & Nephew, Inc. (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 Joseph DeVivo, 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 November 2008 and will be launched in targeted US 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.