Vertebral Technologies, Inc. (VTI) is announcing the successful outcome of the first lumbar fusion procedure in Mexico using the InterFuse laterally expandable device. Since September 2016, VTI has partnered with Mexico-based medical product company BioMedical Technologies to bring less-invasive surgical solutions to surgeons and their patients throughout Mexico.
VTI: Successful Lumbar Fusion in Mexico With InterFuse
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According to the January 17, 2017 news release, “Neurosurgeon Dr. José Antonio Pedrero Gil at the Hospital AIR in Villahermosa, Tabasco region in northern Mexico performed the first InterFuse procedure on a 38-year old female patient with Grade 2 spondylolisthesis. At three months, the patient is completely pain free and is walking normally.”
“The InterFuse spinal implant finally allows surgeons like Dr. Pedrero to implant a large footprint device through a minimally-invasive posterior to tranforaminal with an angled approach of 0° – 35°. The modularity of the implant allows it to be anatomically customized to the patient’s disc space.” “Dr. Pedrero likes to use the InterFuse device in younger, active patients with acute disc herniation as well as in patients suffering from spondylolisthesis, segmental instability and spinal stenosis.
The partnership between Biomedical Technologies and VTI was formally announced at the September AMCICO Spine Congress in Mexico City, organized by AMCICO (Asociacion Mexicana de Cirujanos de Columna / Spine Surgeons Association of Mexico).”
Dr. Pedrero stated, “The InterFuse device appeals to me because it was easy to use and the large footprint ensures fusion and also eliminates the risk of retropulsion.”
Brian Thron, director of Marketing for VTI, told OTW, “We are proud to introduce VTI’s InterFuse system to physicians and patients in Mexico. It’s the latest example of VTI’s commitment to forward-thinking leadership and continued innovation in the spinal fusion market.”
“Our InterFuse modular implant system is for spine surgeons who are looking for a contemporary spinal fusion alternative for implanting a large footprint device through a minimally invasive approach. With VTI’s InterFuse system, we’ve pushed lumbar fusion surgery into bold and revolutionary new directions, and now we’re looking for forward-thinking back surgeons willing to do the same!”
Asked about the future, Thron noted, “VTI is constantly evolving it’s product line and is constantly working to make its unique products better and better as we move into 2017.”
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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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