DePuy Orthopaedics
A range of laser guided surgical alignment systems designed for DePuy orthopedics. When replacing knee and hip joints, accurate alignment can increase the lifespan of the implant, preventing need for further replacement and significantly increasing quality of life. Utilizing new technologies and analysing both surgeon and patient behavior, new equipment was developed. It was identified that the oscillating bone saw and metal guide block, used to saw off the top of the tibia, was an area of weakness in the system. A sterile laser guide was developed, alerting the surgeon to previously imperceptible movements off course. Take a look at the patent here for more technical info. A variation of this design also used strain gauges to detect any deflection of the saw.