Johnson & Johnson MedTech has launched the VIRTUGUIDE system, an AI-powered Lapidus solution in the US, to minimise bunion surgery complexities.
This patient-matched system is said to support the realignment of the foot by fusing the first metatarsal bone with the medial cuneiform near the foot’s arch.
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It leverages pre-operative planning software to deliver personalised surgical recommendations. This software has been developed in partnership with PeekMed.
By analysing CT or X-ray images of the patient’s foot, the software employs AI to choose the most suitable Virtual Alignment and Correction (VAC) Guide for each case, aiming to standardise the bunion correction process.
Early adopters of the VIRTUGUIDE System have reported a reduction in operative time. The patient-matched VAC Guide, recommended by the software, has been instrumental in streamlining the surgical procedure when compared to earlier methods.
Users have estimated time savings of at least 30 minutes per procedure when using this new system.
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By GlobalDataJohnson & Johnson Medtech trauma, extremities, craniomaxillofacial, animal health and sports medicine, orthopaedics global president Oray Boston said: “The VIRTUGUIDE System is a pivotal advancement in AI-powered surgical precision for treating bunion deformities—a common, painful, and potentially debilitating condition affecting nearly one-third of Americans.
“This milestone marks an important step forward, as VIRTUGUIDE becomes the latest addition to our growing portfolio of VELYS Enabling Tech solutions. By automating surgical planning and tailoring instrumentation to each patient, the system helps reduce complexity in the operating room and helps surgeons to achieve the intended correction.”
The launch of the system comes after the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) 510(k) clearance for the pre-operative planning software earlier this year.
Last month, Johnson & Johnson MedTech introduced the ETHICON 4000 Stapler, a surgical device for managing tissue complexities and delivering staple line integrity, aiming to reduce risk factors for surgical leaks and bleeding complications.
