Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Synthes launches proprietary robotics and navigation platform

Johnson & Johnson MedTech announced that DePuy Synthes, The Orthopaedics Company of Johnson & Johnson, is launching a proprietary dual-use robotics and standalone navigation platform developed in collaboration with eCential Robotics. The system, called the VELYS Active Robotic-Assisted System (VELYS SPINE), received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is intended for use in planning and instrumenting spinal fusion procedures in the cervical, thoracolumbar and sacroiliac spine.

This new spine technology was designed to help surgeons tackle their most complex challenges. The VELYS SPINE system is dual use, meaning it features both a standalone navigation and an active robotics platform that can enable surgeon flexibility in their approach and plans. Active robotics allows for surgical guidance tailored to surgeon preference. The distinctive features and capabilities of active robotics technology are set to establish a new standard in spine surgical care.

The VELYS SPINE system offers a customizable experience with pathology-specific workflows, aided by capabilities such as Velys ‘adaptive tracking technology’ and Velys ‘trajectory assistance’. It will be used with the DePuy Synthes core Spine portfolio of products, including the TriALTIS spine system and navigation enabled instruments, the SYMPHONY Occipito-Cervico-Thoracic (OCT) System, VIPER PRIME System and EXPEDIUM VERSE Systems.

Starting today, the VELYS SPINE system will be displayed throughout the U.S. in the MedTech Innovation Experience mobile lab, alongside other technologies and products currently available in DePuy Synthes' comprehensive Spine portfolio. The MedTech Innovation Experience offers hands-on learning opportunities to surgeons, fellows, residents, and other healthcare professionals. Commercial availability is expected in the first half of 2025.