MEMPHIS, Tenn.–(BUSINESS
WIRE)–Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) announced the global launch of the T2
ALTITUDE™ Expandable Corpectomy Device in the U.S. and Europe today at the
North American Spine Societys 26th Annual Meeting in Chicago. The product, a
self locking expandable vertebral body replacement cage intended for use in the
thoracolumbar spine (T1-L5), is designed to provide spinal stabilization and
correction in patients suffering from a traumatic or tumor disorder.
T2 ALTITUDE™ Expandable Corpectomy Device features an
innovative self locking mechanism that eliminates the need for placing a set
screw during surgery. This device can be filled with bone graft after insertion
and also after expansion, creating bone contact with the end plate and the
opportunity for fusion to occur inside the device.
Possible risks include, early or late loosening of the
components and implant migration and the disassembly, bending, and/or breakage
of any or all of the components.
This T2 ALTITUDE™ Expandable Corpectomy Device comes in
multiple sizes, allowing a surgeon the flexibilty to fit the various needs of a
trauma or tumor patient. Additionally, the device allows the surgeon the
ability to insert the cage from a posterior, anterior or lateral approach and
is compatible with Medtronics proprietary minimally invasive technologies,
known as MAST™1.
This system is also compatible with Medtronics
neuromonitoring system, NIM-ECLIPSE© System2. The T2 ALTITUDE™ Expandable
Corpectomy Device is to be used with supplemental fixation such as our VANTAGE™
Anterior Fixation System, TSRH® Spinal System, or the CD HORIZON® Spinal
System. T2 ALTITUDE™ Expandable Corpectomy Device is fully compatible with the
CD HORIZON® SOLERA™ Spinal System.
Each year, there are more than 150,000 spinal fractures in North America 3. There is an estimated 10,000 to 12,000
spinal cord injuries every year and approximately 39% of these injuries are
cause by motor vehicle accidents 4. These non-elective or trauma surgeries
sometimes require additional spinal structural support which is when the T2
ALTITUDE™ Expandable Corpectomy Device is used.
Another indication or use for the T2 ALTITUDE™ Expandable
Corpectomy Device is in the treatment of cancer patients. If the cancer
metastasizes or spreads in the spine, the surgeon may opt to remove the
affected vertebral bodies and replace them with the T2 ALTITUDE™ Expandable
Corpectomy Device.
In addition, the T2 ALTITUDE™ Expandable Corpectomy Device
is equipped with the VERIFYI™ Implant Tracking System to enhance hospital
efficiencies. This is the latest in implant tracking technology that supports
hospital-specific quality management and provides device utilization-related
data for customers in a manner that meets anticipated FDA regulations
establishing a unique device identification (UDI) system.
“We continue to deliver on our long-term commitment to
therapies for complex spine disorders for spinal tumor, trauma and deformity
patients,” said Doug King, senior vice president and president of Medtronic
Spinal. “T2 ALTITUDE™ is a new option for surgeons who perform corpectomies,
including through the use of minimally invasive techniques.”
About the Spinal Business at Medtronic
The Spinal business, based in Memphis,
Tenn., is the global leader in
todays spine market and is committed to advancing the treatment of spinal
conditions. The Spinal business collaborates with world-renowned surgeons,
researchers and innovative partners to offer state-of-the-art products and
technologies for neurological, orthopaedic and spinal conditions. Medtronic is
committed to developing affordable, minimally invasive procedures that provide
lifestyle friendly surgical therapies. More information about the company and
its spinal treatments can be found at www.medtronicspinal.com and its patient-education Web
sites, www.back.com, and www.maturespine.com.
About Medtronic
Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical
technology – alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for
millions of people around the world.
Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties such as those described in Medtronics periodic reports on file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially
from anticipated results.
1 When using a minimally invasive technique, this device may
only be implanted through a lateral or posterior approach.
2 NIM-ECLIPSE© System is manufactured by Medtronic Xomed,
Inc.; distributed by Medtronic Spinal.
3 (http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1264191-overview)
4 (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/sci/detail_sci.htm)