Medtronic Inc.’s spinal business launched several new product line additions to the company’s Vertex Select Reconstruction system at the 81st American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Scientific Meeting in New Orleans. The company also launched the MAST Aligned procedure at the meeting on April 29, 2013.
Medtronic Spine Launches at AANS
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Vertex Select Reconstruction System
The additions to the Vertex system offer a selection of various size implants including pre-cut/bent rods, tapered rods, and other connecting implant options. The system is used to treat DDD (neck pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies), spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, fracture, dislocation, failed previous fusion and/or tumors.
The company announcement stated the new products offer more treatment options for performing posterior cervical-upper thoracic surgical procedures. The system product line was originally introduced in 2001.
Doug King, senior vice president and president of Medtronic’s spinal business, said, “When you combine the implant options available in the [Vertex system] with the recently introduced CERVICAL FACETLIFT Indirect Decompression and Stabilization surgical technique, Medtronic can now offer surgeons a true innovative procedure to treat these patients.”
The CERVICAL FACETLIFT ID/S surgical technique incorporates technology developed by Gary K. Michelson, M.D.
MAST Aligned Procedure
The MAST procedure is a comprehensive surgical solution which includes technologies to access the spine, such as oblique lateral, as well as interbody, navigation, and biologics options.
At the core of the procedure is the new CD Horizon Longitude II System, a multi-level percutaneous fixation system designed to provide spinal stabilization and correction as an adjunct to fusion in patients suffering from painful and function-limiting disorders of the middle and lower back.
A company statement noted the MAST procedure is the latest advancement in a series of integrated procedural solutions that complements Medtronic Spine’s minimally invasive MAST portfolio to successfully treat patients for a variety of degenerative and complex spinal conditions. More than 250, 000 individuals in the U.S. undergo spinal fusions annually to treat degenerative changes in the lumbar spine.
The CD Horizon system is also designed to work with the NIM-ECLIPSE System, STEALTHSTATION Navigation and O-ARM Imaging Systems, and the POWEREASE System, a system of powered instruments designed for drilling, tapping, and driving screws during spinal surgery.
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Discussion
This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
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