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DePuy Synthes Officially Launches the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution on the European Market

VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution

The VELYS™ Robotic‐Assisted Solution provides valuable insights, versatile execution, and verified performance designed to deliver efficiency and optimize patient outcomes1,2,3

DePuy Ireland Unlimited Company, County Cork, Ireland – October 11th, 2023 – This week Johnson & Johnson MedTech* officially launched on the European market the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution from DePuy Synthes**, the Orthopedics Company of Johnson & Johnson. The VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution was used for the successful completion of Total Knee surgeries in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. With this launch, DePuy Synthes** enriches its Digital Surgery Platform of connected technologies to address outstanding needs left unfulfilled by previous generation orthopedic robotics.

Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) improves patient outcomes and is associated with reduced resource utilization compared to manual TKA4,5,6. The VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution is designed to facilitate procedural efficiency, predictability, and standardization1,2. It features a clear user interface, streamlined clinical application, adaptable workflow, and fast registration process which helps improve procedural efficiency1. This is done with limited disruption in the operating room, as the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution does not require a product specialist or technician and there is no need for costly pre-operative CT imaging. The elimination of CT scans from the preoperative workflow saves time for patients and episode of care costs7. 

The VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution is the first-of-its-kind table-mounted, imageless solution and it features a streamlined, efficient design that integrates into surgeons' current workflow.1,2. The system gives surgeons the control they are used to and allows them to retain their preferred technique without the increased risk of damage to the soft tissue envelope2,8. It utilizes NATURAL CONTROL™ Technology, a proprietary technology that maintains the saw cut plane to help execute precise, reproducible surgeon‐ controlled cuts without the need for a cutting block2. 

The VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution works exclusively with the ATTUNE™ Knee System, which has been shown to improve patient‐reported outcomes by working in harmony with the patient’s anatomy to deliver both stability and motion9,10,11,12,13. Together, these technologies aim to define a high standard for patient performance and elevate the overall knee replacement experience. 

VELYSTM Robotic-Assisted Solution

“Today we mark an important milestone in our digital surgery offering, as part of our vision to be the most personalized and connected orthopedics company. We believe that the future of orthopedics requires a combined digital surgery approach alongside robotic solutions, to continue to transform the way surgeries are performed. The technology behind the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution provides precision and accuracy, allowing surgeons to personalize TKA to a patient’s individual needs and, ultimately, drives the simplicity that surgeons are looking for in complex technologies. It aims to both improve patient-reported outcome measures14,15,16,17 and provide a better quality of life for the patients,” said Martyn Inwood***, Vice President, DePuy Synthes EMEA. 

Doctor Stefan Preiss****, who performed the first surgeries in Switzerland, at the Schulthess Klinik in Zürich, praised the system and commented: “VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution is an important step forward into the future to continuously optimize total knee arthroplasty treatment.”

“The VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution enables precise saw cuts to be made, which results in an impressive fit of the ATTUNE™ prosthesis. The navigation is very intuitive and makes it possible to easily balance the knee joint, and the system allows me to check the soft tissue impact on flexion and extension gaps before making any bone cuts. Intraoperatively, I have the feeling that a better-balanced knee has been implanted. The combination of the surgeon's experience, the use of a sophisticated navigation system and the execution of robotic-assisted saw cuts brings knee prosthesis implantation to a new level. The gain in control and understanding of the individual knee is immense, not only for the experienced surgeon, but also for our doctors in training,” said Prof. Dr. Med. Johannes Stöve**** from the St. Marienkrankenhaus Ludwigshafen Hospital in Germany.

In Belgium, surgeries were performed by Dr. Pieter-Jan Vandekerckhove**** and Dr. Lucas Beckers**** at AZ Sint-Jan Brugge hospital. “Our ambition is to be a reference center for VELYSTM and ATTUNE™ within Benelux and Europe.  We are extremely grateful to the AZ St-Jan Brugge hospital to have made this huge investment. The technology will be available to everyone at no extra cost. We are proud to be one of the first centers in Europe to use VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution. We will continue to invest in this technology with our service and our hospital and contribute to further scientific research,” declared Dr. Pieter-Jan Vandekerckhove.

Surgical teams from Germany, Switzerland and Belgium after TKA surgeries performed using the VELYSTM Robotic-Assisted Solution


Through VELYS™ Digital Surgery and the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution, DePuy Synthes makes a strategic, long-term commitment to digital health innovation that will shape the future of orthopedic care. The VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution for Total Knee Arthroplasty was launched in seven key markets since 2021 and has over 30.000 procedures completed. The solution will be rolled out across Europe during 2023 and 2024. 

Studies showed that robotic-assisted TKA is associated with improved patient outcomes, reduced length of stay and reduced resource utilization, both in inpatient settings and over the 90 days episode of care. Overall, these results can help reduce costs associated to robotic-assisted TKA18,19. By 2027, robotic-assisted total joint procedures are anticipated to grow by more than 25%20. 

For more information on the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution visit: https://www.jnjmedtech.com/en-EMEA/products/velys-robotic-assisted-solution
For more information on the ATTUNE™ Knee visit: https://www.jnjmedtech.com/en-EMEA/product/attune-knee-system 


Media contact: Olivia Ciubotariu - [email protected] 


About Johnson & Johnson MedTech

At Johnson & Johnson MedTech, we unleash diverse healthcare expertise, purposeful technology, and a passion for people to transform the future of medical intervention and empower everyone to live their best life possible. For more than a century, we have driven breakthrough scientific innovation to address unmet needs and reimagine health. In surgery, orthopedics, vision, and interventional solutions, we continue to help save lives and create a future where healthcare solutions are smarter, less invasive, and more personalized. 

About DePuy Synthes

DePuy Synthes, The Orthopedics Company of Johnson & Johnson, provides one of the most comprehensive orthopedics portfolios in the world that helps heal and restore movement for the millions of patients we serve. DePuy Synthes solutions, in specialties including joint reconstruction, trauma, extremities, craniomaxillofacial, spinal surgery and sports medicine, in addition to the VELYS™ Digital Surgery portfolio, are designed to advance patient care while delivering clinical and economic value to healthcare systems worldwide. Building on our proud product innovation and legacy of industry firsts, we are reimagining the orthopedic landscape with new advancements in medical technologies and digital surgery across the entire continuum of care to Keep People Moving today and tomorrow. For more information, visit www.depuysynthes.com. 

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of DePuy Synthes, Inc., Medical Device Business Services, Inc., DePuy Ireland Unlimited Company and/or Johnson & Johnson.  Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: uncertainty of commercial success; challenges to patents; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; manufacturing difficulties and delays; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2023, including in the sections captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in Johnson & Johnson’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of either DePuy Synthes, Inc., Medical Device Business Services, Inc., DePuy Ireland Unlimited Company nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

Please refer to the instructions for use for a complete list of indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions. Product(s) may not be commercially available in all markets. This content may not be used externally in those markets where regulatory approval has not been granted for all the products referenced.

 

 

* Comprising the surgery, orthopedics, vision and interventional solutions businesses within Johnson & Johnson’s MedTech segment. 
** DePuy Synthes represents the products and services of DePuy Synthes Sales, Inc., and its affiliates. 
*** Martyn Inwood is an employee of Medical Device Business Services, Inc. 
**** Dr. Vandekerckhove, Prof. Johannes Stöve and Dr. Stefan Preiss are paid consultants of DePuy Synthes Sales, Inc. Dr. Lukas Beckers is not a paid consultant of DePuy Synthes Sales, Inc.

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  2.  Doan, G.W., et al., Image‐Free Robotic‐Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty Improves Implant Alignment Accuracy: A Cadaveric Study. J Arthroplasty, 2022. 37(4): p. 795‐ 801. Page: 1 Paragraph: 4 Line: 1‐3
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  11.  Ranawat CS, White PB, West S, Ranawat AS. Clinical and radiographic results of ATTUNE and PFC SIGMA knee designs at 2‐year follow‐up: a prospective matched‐ pair analysis. J Arthroplasty. 2017;32:431‐436. 
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