Latest System from Arthrex Combines Three Systems in One

At the risk of sounding a tad metaphysical, life could be viewed (forgive the pun) as the pursuit of clarity.

In medicine—as is the case in many disciplines—a clear view is everything.

Arthrex Inc., a Naples, Fla.-based developer of arthroscopic and minimally invasive orthopedic surgical technology, pursues this philosophy daily in the creation of new technology. At this year’s annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) in San Francisco, Calif., the company introduced Synergy HD3 system for the endoscopic market.

The device integrates three components, high-definition cameras, LED lighting and an image management system—all integrated into one console that uses an Apple iPad- tablet interface.

Steve Jones, the company’s director of business development characterized the system as “revolutionary,” adding that it “breaks new barriers in endoscopic image management and patient education.”

Before now, according to Jones, the three components that go into the Synergy system have been available only as separate system, which can make the operating room a “cumbersome” place.

The system loads physician preferences and surgical case information. It also can allow authorized viewers to access live streaming videos via the Internet from any location. The iPad application allows the surgeons to review, edit and annotate still images and video recordings that are immediately downloadable. The surgeon also is able to create and transmit customizable documents that he or she could transmit as a post-operative report to patients or other caregivers.

Synergy HD3 is designed and manufactured by the company’s new subsidiary, Arthrex California Technology in Santa Barbara.

According to the company, it has developed more than 6,000 products for arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgery. The company has been in growth mode lately. In 2011, the firm hired more than 260 new employees and plans to double its local Florida employment of 1,200 by 2015 to meet demand. The privately held firm says it recorded $1 billion in annual revenue in 2010.