Contact: Mr. Lang13612820654

Smart Medical Device Network News, Recently，Johnson & JohnsonThe announcement stated,Orthopedics DepartmentDePuy Synthes has signed a definitive agreement with MinMax Medical, a medical technology innovator based in Grenoble, France, securing optional rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize its Gemtrack radiofrequency (RF) micro-tracking technology for navigation and robotic applications within its shoulder, hip, and knee product portfolios. Upon completion of product development and regulatory approval, DePuy Synthes plans to pioneer the application of RF micro-tracking technology in joint replacement surgeries.

Orthopedic surgical navigation systems have long faced a core paradox: the more precise the navigation system, the more cumbersome the hardware support required. Currently, non-radiation imaging solutions primarily rely on infrared cameras combined with invasive bone pin anchors for line-of-sight positioning, which restricts the flexibility of instrument layout in the operating room.

Clinically, the current mainstream orthopedic robot-assisted joint replacement systems mostly rely on infrared cameras for line-of-sight tracking. During surgery, metal bone pins or bulky tracking arrays need to be implanted into the patient's bones. These bone pins have a diameter of approximately3.2 mm, requiring direct anchoring to the bone, not only increases surgical complexity but also exposes patients to potential risks such as fractures and soft tissue muscle injuries, thereby increasing the trauma burden on patients.

MinMaxMedical’s RF tracking technology primarily utilizes radiofrequency signals to penetrate soft tissue, enabling continuous, high-precision real-time tracking of bone structures. This approach fundamentally eliminates the need for infrared cameras and line-of-sight dependency, significantly reduces reliance on invasive anchors, and can be deployed at the bedside or alongside the operating table without requiring bulky equipment or substantial space.

Gemtrack technology, developed by a team led by Stéphane Lavallée, founder of MinMax Medical, utilizes radiofrequency waves rather than optical signals for spatial localization. Unlike infrared tracking, which relies on direct line-of-sight light paths, radiofrequency signals can penetrate tissues and obstacles, enabling continuous, line-of-sight-independent tracking in complex surgical environments. This means that during surgery, even if instruments are obscured by the operator or fall within blind spots, the navigation system can still acquire their precise positions in real time.

Johnson & Johnson's Orthopedics DivisionNamal Nawana, Global President of DePuy Synthes, pointed out in the announcement that Stéphane Lavallée and his founded company have already established successful collaborative precedents with DePuy Synthes on multiple projects, including the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution for knee replacement and the VELYS Active Robotic-Assisted System for spinal surgery.

Johnson & Johnson'sVELYS Orthopedic Surgery Robot-Assisted Solutions have currently reached approximately 1.5 million patients worldwide, renowned for their CT-free operation and compact design, and recognized with the Red Dot Design Award. The integration of Gemtrack technology is expected to further enhance the workflow efficiency of this platform. The miniaturized and non-invasive design of the radiofrequency tracker aims to reduce surgical preparation time, simplify intraoperative procedures, and unlock greater value in settings such as outpatient surgeries and ambulatory surgery centers.

Johnson & Johnson atIn October 2025, a plan was announced to spin off the DePuy Synthes orthopedics business into an independent publicly listed company, with completion expected by mid-2027. This decision reflects the reality of slowing growth within the orthopedics segment: in 2025, Johnson & Johnson’s overall revenue increased by 6% year-over-year, and its MedTech sector grew by 6.1%, while the orthopedics business saw only a modest 1.1% increase, making it the slowest-growing division within MedTech.

This IntroductionGemtrack RF Tracking Technology: On the Eve of Independent Operation, Johnson & Johnson’s Orthopedics Division, DePuy Synthes, Strengthens Its Competitive Moat and Valuation Foundation Through Forward-Looking Technological DeploymentForThe independent orthopedics company is building a long-term moat in the fields of digital surgery and robotic assistance, so that regardless of the orthopedics divisionDePuy SynthesAfter the independent listing"Remaining within Johnson & Johnson or selling later can both yield better benefits."

Editor-in-Chief's Direct Line

1

Corporate Interviews, In-depth Promotion of Products and Technologies, Industry Report Consulting, Submissions;

2

Contact: 13714842321 (also available on WeChat)