A medical technology company founded by three Waterloo Engineering graduates has expanded the scope of its products with approval in the United States of a smart tool for hip replacements using a different technique.
Intellijoint Surgical Inc., which traces its roots to a mechatronics engineering Capstone Design project, recently announced clearance by the Food and Drug Administration of intellijoint HIP Anterior, a new application for technology already in use by surgeons.
A media release from the Waterloo-based company – founded in 2010 by Armen Bakirtzian, Richard Fanson and Andre Hladio – said the miniature optical navigation device adds to its intellijoint HIP suite of products.
Measurements help position implants
The new application was developed for use by surgeons performing hip replacements using a technique known as the direct anterior approach. The technique involves a small, minimally invasive incision at the front of the hip, as opposed to operations done from the back or side of the patient.
The tool give surgeons accurate measurements during hip replacement procedures so they can properly position implants.
A privately owned company, Intellijoint Surgical announced last fall that it had raised $11 million from Canadian investors to help increase sales in the all-important U.S. market.