Medical device and technology firm OrthAlign has introduced a new handheld smart surgical tool, dubbed Lantern, for total and partial knee replacement surgery.

Using a single-use and handheld smart tool, Lantern delivers a precise and individualised alignment to any patient.

The company has designed the new smart tool for use across implant platforms and surgical philosophies.

Featuring an user-friendly design and interface, the tool offers streamlined workflows to minimise OR times and support multiple ORs concurrently avoiding the investment, equipment, or pre-operative imaging needed by multiple computer-assisted surgical systems, said the company.

With only one instrument tray and one navigation unit for all applications, the technology is optimised for the ambulatory surgical centre (ASC).

OrthAlign secured 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Lantern in the fourth quarter of last year.

At present, Lantern is suitable for total knee and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty applications.

It is also being developed for use in total hip arthroplasty and intraoperative assessment tools such as soft tissue balancing, data collection capabilities, and network connectivity.

OrthAlign chairman and CEO Eric Timko said: “Lantern is our next-generation flagship product. It’s the culmination of years of effort devoted to developing a technology that offers the accuracy, simplicity, and efficiency needed in today’s transitioning market. Surgical technologies must deliver clinically valuable solutions through high-quality, cost-effective care.

“With Lantern, we are perfectly positioned to meet the operational needs of the hospital and ASC while continuing to provide the strong clinical outcomes that surgeons expect.

“We are excited to expand the commercial release of Lantern and continue to fuel an already strong close to 2021. Our future is bright.”

In November last year, OrthAlign announced the first cases using LANTERN Surgical Assistant, a compact, inertial navigation system.