Blue Belt Technologies receives CE Mark for Navio PFS system
Pittsburgh, Pa., February 23, 2012 – Blue Belt Technologies, Inc., a medical device company
focused on developing the next generation of “smart” surgical instruments providing precise
robotic control for use initially in orthopedic procedures and then for other surgical specialties
including neurosurgery, spinal and otolaryngology (“ENT”), announced today that it has
received CE Mark for the Navio™ PFS System.
The Company’s initial market application in Europe is for Unicondylar Knee Replacement
(“UKR”) which is commonly known as partial knee replacement. A partial knee replacement is
surgery to replace either the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) compartment of the knee with an
implant. Partial knee replacements are bone-sparing and have been shown to provide better
surgical outcomes, for patients with cartilage damage contained to a single compartment when
compared to total joint replacement. The majority of partial knee replacement surgeries are
currently performed using instruments which can be inconsistent and lead to high revision and
retreatment rates.
Blue Belt’s Navio PFS System incorporates patented technology to provide additional control to
surgeons via an intelligent, handheld, cutting tool coupled with powerful surgical planning and
navigation software. The Navio PFS System provides the surgeon with a layer of safety and
enhanced accuracy while performing bone shaping tasks through less invasive incisions. Jess
Lonner, M.D., who is an Associate Professor of Orthopedics at Thomas Jefferson University and
Co- Chair of Blue Belt’s Scientific Advisory Board, said “There is a growing role for partial
knee replacement surgery as patterns of arthritis become better understood, particularly given the
changing demographics and expectations of our patients. The capacity for pairing conservative
unicondylar bone preparation with a unique level of precision sets the Navio PFS System apart
from conventional technologies and should contribute to rapid functional recovery and enhanced
durability.”
Eric B. Timko, President and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Belt Technologies went on to say
“We are very pleased to receive CE Mark for the Navio PFS System. This initial clearance
represents a significant milestone for Blue Belt and our efforts to become a leader in the field of
Unicondylar Knee Replacement by providing the physician with a robotic instrument that
provides for an accurate and consistent placement of the UKR implant, leading to a better
outcome for the patient. We are excited to begin executing on our commercialization strategy in
Europe and introducing the Navio PFS System to the physician community”.
Blue Belt Technologies, Inc.
Blue Belt Technologies, Inc. is developing the next generation of “smart” surgical instruments
for use initially in orthopedic procedures and other surgical subspecialties. The company’s Navio
PFS System incorporates patented technology to provide precise robotic control to surgeons via
an intelligent, handheld, computer assisted bone cutting tool. The Navio PFS System provides
the surgeon with a layer of safety and enhanced accuracy while performing bone shaping tasks
through minimally invasive incisions.
BLUE BELT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CONTACT: Eric B. Timko (412) 683 3368 or etimko@bluebelttech.com of Blue Belt
Technologies. www.bluebelttech.com