Smith & Nephew makes strategic investment in surgical robotics with acquisition of Blue Belt Technologies

Chandigarh, March 28, 2016: Smith & Nephew, the global medical technology business, has recently completed the acquisition of Blue Belt Holdings, Inc. (“Blue Belt Technologies”), securing a leading position in the fast-growing area of orthopaedic robotics-assisted surgery.With this acquisition, Smith & Nephew will introduce Blue Belt Technologies’ NAVIO surgical system to India for the first time.
The NAVIO surgical system currently provides robotics-assistance in unicondylar or partial knee replacement surgerythrough CT-free navigation software and a unique hand-held, robotic bone-shaping device.The combination of Blue Belt Technologies with Smith & Nephew’s Knee Implant franchise creates a strong combined partial knee portfolio to accelerate growth in the attractive area of partial knee replacement surgery.
Commenting on the same, Mr. Badhri Iyengar, Managing Director- India,Smith & Nephew Healthcare said,“We are committed to bring in the best technologies to improve people’s lives across the globe. With our recent partnership with Blue Belt Technologies, we aim to offer high degree accuracy in placing implants with the help of Navio technology. With ease of use and attractive economics, Navio will redefine robotics in orthopaedic surgery.”
Smith & Nephew intends to expand the NAVIO platform into total knee, bi-cruciate retaining knee and revision knee implants, delivering significant further upside.