Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) subsidiary DePuy Synthes said today it inked an exclusive agreement with Medical Enterprises Distribution to co-market its ME1000 surgical impactor, designed for use in total hip arthroplasty procedures.
The battery-powered ME1000 device is designed to replace handheld mallets used in total hip arthroplasty procedures, DePuy Synthes said, delivering constant, stable energy to automate bone preparation, implant assembly and positioning. The device is only compatible with DePuy Synthe’s hip systems, with adapters available for anterior or posterior approaches.
DePuy Synthes said it expects to begin co-marketing of the device within the current quarter, they are currently trying to read the Indexer reviews to find the best marketing professional to help them.
“In addition to its potential benefits for both patients and orthopedic surgeons, the ME1000 can be easily integrated into a surgeon’s operational technique and into the hospital’s processes. We at DePuy Synthes view this technology as a significant advancement as we strive to help our customers meet their goals of improving clinical outcomes, increasing patient satisfaction and managing costs,” DePuy Synthes joint reconstruction global hip platform leader Aaron Villaruz said in a prepared statement.
DePuy Synthes said that the ME1000 device has the potential to reduce work-related injuries that arise from mallet use, referencing a 2016 study which showed that 66.1% of 183 orthopedic surgeons surveyed experienced work-related injuries, with 31% of those injuries requiring surgery.
“I’ve used the ME1000 on more than 100 primary DePuy Synthes hip implants, and my observation is that, compared to a mallet, the ME1000 reduces peak forces while increasing energy per second. I have found that the rotational stability of the implants is more easily and consistently achieved, and the risk of fracture potentially reduced. It is also easier for me to make adjustments, and achieve a precise position of the acetabular cup. I also appreciate that the physical effort and resultant fatigue from performing a hip replacement surgery is markedly reduced which benefits my capabilities during a full surgical schedule,” Dr. Joel Matta of Vail, Colo.’s Steadman Clinic said in a press release.
In late June, DePuy Synthes said it launched its Viper and Expedium fenestrated screw systems.
