In-house Technology
There are two neighboring high-end production facilities tucked into the Swiss hills surrounding Lugano, one for Medacta’s orthopedic products and another dedicated to spine. “Because we have direct control over the manufacturing processes, we can ensure that our standards are of the highest order,” says Francesco Siccardi. “It also means that we can more readily drive innovation, as well as ensure continuity and efficiency. In addition, having all of our technology in-house reduces costs and emissions due to a reduction in the transport of goods, which is in line with our commitment to sustainability.”
Healthcare Sustainability
With an eye towards optimizing patient care and resources in a sustainable manner, Medacta has developed its GMK Efficiency single use instruments, tools that have a neutral environmental impact when compared to the average CO2 equivalent annual emission of a hospital using conventional metal re-usable instrumentation. They have been proven to save up to 435 liters of clean water for each total knee replacement (TKR) by eliminating the need to wash and sterilize traditional metal instrument trays.
Patient Support
Going well above and beyond the norm, Medacta International and Geisinger have piloted a first-of-its-kind program for a lifetime guarantee knee replacement where companies will cover the full cost of care associated with knee replacement surgeries during a patient’s lifetime. This builds on the successful pilot of the lifetime program for hip surgery initiated in 2018.
“These lifetime guarantees mean that Medacta stands behind its products and is raising the bar on the commitment to patient care,” says Francesco Siccardi. “Patients will no longer be forced to take on all the risk after leaving the operating room.”
Going Forward
With a very healthy balance sheet, an unparalleled commitment to surgeon education and development and a steady flow of innovative instruments and implants, Medacta is consistently gaining market share in 31 countries and will soon bring its surgeon-partner model to every corner of the globe.
“Over time,” says Francesco Siccardi, “we have expanded from our initial core offerings—total joints—into shoulder and spine, with the latest being sports medicine. Not only is there a substantial amount of product line expansion, but we are going deeper in many markets. We have $300 million in sales and a 1-2% market share in hip and knee…there is much room for growth, and as always, innovation.”
In a way we must thank the Swiss Alps for this unique company…but clearly, the Medacta family has not yet reached its peak!
