Aesculap’s S⁴ Element MIS System provides increased direct surgical site visibility during minimally invasive procedures and unique rescue technology that minimizes exposure to risk.

Aesculap Implant Systems announced the availability of the new S⁴ Element MIS System, the only posterior lumbar pedicle screw fixation system to utilize endoscope technology to gain direct visualization, providing the advantages of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with enhanced view of surgical site. To further differentiate S⁴ Element MIS, the system offers an industry leading rescue technique and instrumentation designed to minimize risk of open conversion during MIS. With novel, slim profile instrumentation and proven implant stability, the S⁴ Element MIS provides a simple approach for percutaneous lumbar spinal fusion surgery.

Peyman Pakzaban, MD of Houston MicroNeurosurgery in Pasadena, Texas describes S⁴ Element MIS as “a simple, intuitive, and elegant system that has many unique features that address the needs of both experienced and transitioning MIS surgeons.” Some of these features include direct surgical site visualization, an optimized operating room (OR) workflow, implant stability and reduced risk of conversion.

Direct Surgical Site Visualization
S⁴ Element MIS provides a direct view during rod passing through the use of endoscope technology, providing the ability to confirm rod location and orientation, troubleshoot, and minimize guesswork associated with the MIS spine surgery while reducing exposure to radiation.

Streamlined Instrumentation Optimizes OR Workflow
S⁴ Element MIS offers intuitive, streamlined instrumentation to facilitate efficiency in the operating room. The slim profile minimizes soft-tissue interference and novel downtube technology allows for instrumentation to be introduced through the 16.5mm diameter to reduce bulk at the surgical site and eliminate the need to lengthen the incision for rod insertion.

Proven Implant Stability
The S⁴ Element MIS System relies on the S⁴ Element pedicle screw technology introduced by Aesculap in 2010. The ultra low profile size, interlocking thread design and unique locking technology combine to maximize implant biomechanics.

Reduced Conversion Risk
The S⁴ Element MIS System minimizes risk of converting to an open procedure, which can lengthen procedure time and reduce the known patient benefits of MIS, with instrumentation engineered to easily reattach the downtube to the screw in-situ.

S⁴ Element is intended for anterior/anterolateral and posterior, non-cervical pedicle and non-pedicle fixation. Fixation is limited to skeletally mature patients and is intended to be used as an adjunct to fusion using autograft or allograft. Please see the package insert for the complete list of indications, warnings, precautions, and other medical information.