PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Blue Belt Technologies, Inc. (“Blue Belt”) today announced that it has resolved a lawsuit filed by MAKO Surgical Corp. (“Mako”) of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The suit asserted breach of contract and various unfair competition claims, all of which Blue Belt vehemently denied in its court filings. Blue Belt manufactures and markets the NavioPFS orthopedic surgical system with precision robotics for unicondylar knee replacement (UKR), commonly known as a partial knee replacement. NavioPFS offers significant advantages over other robotic-controlled systems available in the marketplace, including Mako’s system. Unique differentiating features include image free navigation, an open platform for implants which allows physicians to use their preferred type of implant, and a handheld smart instrument with robotic control. These advantages are all offered at a price point that makes precision robotics available to hospitals of all sizes, including outpatient surgery centers. Blue Belt received FDA clearance for NavioPFS last November and formally launched the system at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons annual meeting held in Chicago, March 20-22, 2013.
“We believe that this lawsuit was without merit and Mako failed to prove that Blue Belt engaged in any wrongdoing. In fact, Mako failed to substantiate many of the allegations it made in its complaint and we are confident that Blue Belt would have prevailed had the litigation continued,” said Blue Belt President and CEO Eric Timko. “At the same time, however, Blue Belt determined that it is in our best interest to compete with Mako by selling our new robotic technology in the marketplace, instead of competing in the courtroom, where no surgeon or patient can benefit. We have established great momentum since officially launching NavioPFS in the United States. We fully expect to continue rapidly expanding our presence in the marketplace as more physicians and hospitals see the benefits that NavioPFS can bring to their patients and facilities at an economically friendly price point.”
Blue Belt Technologies, Inc.
Blue Belt Technologies, Inc. has developed the next generation of “smart” surgical instruments with precision robotics for use initially in orthopedic procedures and then for other surgical specialties, including neurosurgery, spinal and otolaryngology (ENT). The company’s NavioPFS System incorporates patented technology to provide precise robotic control to surgeons via an intelligent, handheld, computer-assisted bone-cutting tool. The NavioPFS System provides the surgeon with a layer of safety and enhanced accuracy while performing bone-shaping tasks through less invasive incisions. More information about Blue Belt can be found at www.bluebelttech.com.