NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- DePuy Synthes Spine* announced it is expanding its collaboration with Brainlab through the worldwide launch of navigation-ready instrumentation for its leading spine systems, and an exclusive global agreement to co-market Airo^® Mobile Intraoperative CT by Brainlab.

The announcement was made at the North American Spine Society (NASS) 28^th annual meeting, where DePuy Synthes Spine is showcasing Airo Mobile Intraoperative CT alongside the full release of navigation-ready instrumentation for its VIPER^® 2 and EXPEDIUM^® Spine Systems. This instrumentation was specially designed to be pre-calibrated for use with Brainlab Navigation Systems, including Curve™ Image Guided Surgery and Kick^® Surgical Navigation.

"The broader collaboration between DePuy Synthes Spine and Brainlab will enable us to provide a seamlessly integrated solution of implants, instrumentation and navigation systems that have the potential to improve patient outcomes, inform decision making during surgery, increase efficiency of spinal procedures and reduce OR time," said Max Reinhardt, Worldwide President, DePuy Synthes Spine.

DePuy Synthes Spine and Brainlab will also continue to collaborate on initiatives to bring spinal navigation solutions to a wider range of surgeons and hospitals throughout the world so that more patients can benefit from image-guided spine surgery. 

Brainlab Navigation Systems continuously track surgical instruments in relation to patient anatomy, helping surgeons avoid critical structures, accurately find pedicle entry, screw insertion points and trajectories, and securely place spinal implants.

DePuy Synthes Spine will feature Airo Mobile Intraoperative CT by Brainlab and other image-guided spine surgery products and solutions in professional education and training programs throughout the world, as well as at major surgical meetings and trade shows.

Brainlab develops, manufactures and markets software-driven medical technology with the aim of optimizing patient treatments. Core products revolve around less-invasive image-guided surgery technology, more accurate and effective radiation therapy, and integration through planning and collaboration systems that bring patient data and physicians together. www.brainlab.com

About DePuy Synthes SpineDePuy Synthes Spine has one of the largest and most diverse portfolios of products and services in spinal care and is a global leader in traditional and minimally invasive spine treatment. The company offers procedural solutions for the full spectrum of spinal disorders including adult and adolescent deformity, spinal stenosis, trauma and degenerative disc disease. DePuy Synthes Spine is part of DePuy Synthes Companies of Johnson & Johnson, the largest provider of orthopaedic and neurological solutions in the world. For more information visit www.depuysynthes.com.

*DePuy Synthes Spine is a division of DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.The third party trademarks used herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE DePuy Synthes Spine