Dive Brief:
- GE HealthCare has formed a distribution agreement with Johnson & Johnson to increase use of its OEC 3D Imaging System.
- The applications of the C-arm include cardiac and vascular procedures but the new partnership is focused on its use in the imaging of the spine, specifically surgeries involving devices from J&J’s DePuy Synthes subsidiary.
- Striking the deal to bring OEC 3D systems and DePuy Synthes devices to U.S. surgeons is part of a push by GE HealthCare to secure distribution of its products by working with firms that already have a foothold in key markets.
Dive Insight:
OEC 3D is designed to capture 2D and 3D images to inform procedures including spinal fusion and stent placement. The mobile system can generate CT-like images during operations and is designed to display more levels during a spinal fusion than other imaging technologies.
In the context of imaging the spine, the capabilities are intended to improve the diagnosis and treatment of conditions in a complex part of the body that contains muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and sensitive nerves.
DePuy Synthes provides devices such as its Conduit Interbody Platform for lumbar and cervical spinal fusion procedures. GE HealthCare sees value in bringing the DePuy Synthes portfolio and OEC 3D system closer together under a distribution agreement.
“Through this new collaboration with DePuy Synthes, we’re excited for the opportunity to bring this technology to more spine practices in acute to outpatient settings knowing OEC 3D provides precise and efficient imaging so that surgeons can stay focused on what matters most, providing quality patient care,” Phil Rackliffe, CEO of GE Healthcare’s image-guided therapies business, said in a statement.
The agreement is the latest in a series of deals struck by GE HealthCare. Since the start of last year, the company has partnered with Boston Scientific in Asia, formed a radiation therapy collaboration with Elekta and teamed up with Medtronic to target ambulatory surgery centers.