Think Surgical announced today that it plans a collaboration with Waldemar Link to implement its technology in surgical robotics.
In the collaboration, Think Surgical plans to add the LinkSymphoKnee system to its ID-HUB. ID-HUB serves as a proprietary data bank of implant modules for use with Think Surgical’s TMINI handheld miniature surgical robotic system.
TMINI received FDA clearance in May 2023. It features a wireless, robotic handpiece that assists surgeons in performing total knee replacement. Following a CT-based three-dimensional surgical plan, the TMINI robotic handpiece automatically compensates for the surgeon’s hand movement to locate bone pins along precisely defined planes. Cutting guides are then connected to the bone pins for accurate bone resection.
Part of Think Surgical’s offering includes a commitment to providing open-platform robots. It aims to support implants from multiple manufacturers, adding Link implants to its ID-HUB database. The company says this further enhances the options available to surgeons using TMINI.
Think and Link have already started developing the implant module, and they aim to seek FDA clearance in the coming months for the combination of offerings. Stuart Simpson, Think president and CEO, says the collaboration enables more choices for customers and patients in the U.S.
“We are pleased to partner with another industry leader like Think Surgical to showcase this cutting-edge technology,” said Peter Willenborg, Link CEO. “Handheld technology represents the next evolutionary leap in robotic surgery, particularly for new users and outpatient surgery centers. This partnership underscores our commitment to offering the most innovative solutions to the market. The integration of Think Surgical’s advanced robotic technology with Link’s state-of-the-art TKA system, LinkSymphoKnee, further enhances patient care.”