Polarisᴬᴿ has announced that its STELLAR Knee system, a mixed-reality surgical navigation platform, has been used in the first total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedure in the US.

Claimed to be the world's first procedure, it was carried out at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

The STELLAR Knee system, which secured 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration in November 2023, can display measured and computed data overlaid directly in a 3D environment to guide TKA procedures.

By functioning as a spatial computer, it allows continuous data transmission between the surgeon and the software. This helps in improving surgical decision-making while streamlining operating room workflow.

Polarisᴬᴿ CEO Paul Mikus said: “STELLAR Knee represents a paradigm shift in the OR, as we aim to offer surgeons robot-like precision and real-time guidance throughout TKA procedures.

“STELLAR Knee also fills a crucial gap in hospitals where existing robotic systems may already be in use. By seamlessly integrating into surgical workflows and delivering comparable precision in a mixed reality format, STELLAR Knee ensures that every patient can now access the highest standard of care.”

The STELLAR Knee system provides improved control over intraoperative variables and enables surgeons to achieve optimal lower limb alignment, soft tissue balance, joint line maintenance and component positioning.

It provides a mixed-reality platform that evaluates bony anatomy and soft tissue for accurate extension and flexion gap resections.

The imageless and implant-agnostic features of the system make it a versatile option for orthopaedic surgeons.

In the coming weeks, PolarisAR plans to commercially launch the STELLAR Knee system at leading institutions in the US.