THINK Surgical, Inc. has announced FDA 510(k) clearance for its TMINI Miniature Robotic System for use with Zimmer Biomet’s Persona Knee System. This clearance expands the options available to surgeons for robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty.
TMINI System Features
The TMINI system features a wireless, handheld robotic handpiece designed to assist surgeons in performing total knee replacements. Following a CT-based three-dimensional surgical plan, the TMINI automatically compensates for the surgeon’s hand movement to locate bone pins along precisely defined planes, enabling accurate bone resection. THINK Surgical received initial FDA clearance for TMINI in May 2023.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of THINK Surgical, stated that TMINI addresses surgeon demand for ergonomic, wireless, handheld robotic systems, which he believes will accelerate the adoption of robotics in knee procedures, especially in outpatient settings.
Strategic Implications
THINK Surgical emphasizes that this FDA clearance makes it the only company offering a robotic system providing both an implant-exclusive option with the Persona Knee System and an open implant platform for use with implants from multiple other manufacturers for total knee arthroplasty. This go-to-market strategy supports two distinct customer segments: those who prefer an open platform and those who prefer an exclusive platform with the Persona Knee System.
Zimmer Biomet Partnership
Zimmer Biomet plans to introduce the customized TMINI system in select U.S. markets in the second half of 2024. Dr. Nitin Goyal, Zimmer Biomet’s chief science, technology, and innovation officer, noted that the deal with THINK Surgical makes it the first to offer two complementary systems for robot-assisted knee-replacement surgery.
THINK Surgical's Broader Strategy
THINK Surgical has been actively expanding its partnerships and implant options, including collaborations with Maxx Orthopedics, b-ONE Ortho, and Signature Orthopaedics. The company’s robots are open platforms that support implant brands from multiple manufacturers, allowing surgeons to drive the choice of implant.
