Big changes lie ahead for knee replacements in 2020 and beyond. MD+DI recently spoke with an expert at DePuy Synthes for insight into how three key trends are impacting the market.
In recent years MD+DI has reported on a number of ways emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), surgical robotics, and 3D-printing are impacting a number of different sectors in medtech. In 2020, we expect these technologies to become even more releavant in the industry, particularly in orthoedics.
MD+DI recently spoke with an expert at DePuy Synthes for insight into how key trends are impacting the total knee replacement (TKR) market, and how emerging technologies can be part of the solution. Rajit Kamal is vice president and global franchise leader of the knee business at Warsaw, IN-based DePuy Synthes, a Johnson & Johnson company.
Outpatient Is No Longer Just a Niche
“We are seeing a very persistent shift toward outpatient or ambulatory surgical care centers and we think that shift makes sense, Kamal said, pointing out several benefits of this trend, including faster recovery and a lower cost of care.
“We think anything that makes sense for the patients clinically and economically is the right thing to do,” he said.
While outpatient will never be right for every patient, Kamal said up to 70% of TKRs could eventually be handled in outpatient settings such as ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs).
“Outpatient is not a niche,” Kamal emphasized. “Outpatient is the site of care of the patient. So when we develop our portfolio, when we drive innovation, it is with outpatient in mind.”
What that means from an R&D perspective is that companies in the TKR space like Depuy Synthes need to keep in mind the fact that ASCs are smaller than in-patient hospital settings.
“We are making sure we are developing the portfolio that is enabling our customers to be able to operate in this site of care and that means developing products that are portable, smaller, and cost effective,” Kamal said.
Kamal sees opportunities to address these and other unmet TKR needs with emerging technology such as AI, ML, robotics, and 3D printing.
By Amanda Pedersen | MD+DI
Image Credit: The New York Times
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