Umbra Applied Technologies Group, Inc. (UAT) announced the production of the newly designed external fixation bone pin to accompany its next generation bone fixator, the ClearView™ G2, that it announced in August. The newly designed Aegis™ external fixation pin is made of light weight, high strength titanium with a silver core identified as Active Silver Protection (ASP) making it the first of its kind.

External fixation is an essential component of the modern orthopedic surgeon’s repertoire and is widely used in traumatic and reconstructive surgery. This treatment modality is almost universally associated with the complication of pin track infections. Complications and infections associated with bone fractures requiring external fixation remains the most troublesome disadvantage of external fixation.

According to research it has been noted that the introduction of silver nano particles has synergistic activity with common antibiotics already used today, such as penicillin G, ampicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, and vancomycin. This complimentary effect can increase the effectiveness of antibiotics thus reducing the likelihood of infection and complications thereof. In other medical equipment, it has been shown that silver nano particles drastically lower the bacterial count on devices used.

When questioned about the new design for an external fixator pin, Alex Umbra, CEO, replied, “This is the most significant advance in bone fixation in nearly 80 years. UAT’s Active Silver Protection core changes the game by reducing complications and patient pain. The Aegis threaded fixator pin with ASP has a unique two flute design with dual cutting edges that simultaneously cuts while it threads into the bone. It has been designed to eliminate impacting at low rpms, thus reducing thermal damage to bone at the previously required higher rpms.”

Umbra worked closely with UAT’s Mark Estrada, applied sciences director and chief design officer, to ensure that every single aspect of the Aegis fixation pin, from its assembly to how it performed, was subjected to remorseless scrutiny. Estrada commented, “To meet the standards of design and function set forth by Mr. Umbra, we had to essentially pioneer new processes to manufacture and assemble a new product designed to feel like a familiar tool but fundamentally improved across several disciplines.”

“When considering the manufacturing process that would support the development and delivery of the Aegis pin, we approached it from the perspective of commissioning a work of art reminiscent of a fine timepiece or bespoke automobile,” Umbra, commented. “We carefully weighed processes that would yield a product worthy of the UAT badge and suggestive of the type of artisanship our customers have grown to expect when being introduced to a newly released UAT design.”

By introducing the medical profession to the Aegis fixation pin, Umbra Applied Technologies has brought forth the most significant advance in bone fixation since the last significant advance made by Raoul Hoffmann in 1938 and more than 100 years since the first threaded pin was used, according to the company.

To learn more about the Aegis external fixator pin with ASP: http://umbraappliedtechnologies.com/uat-biotech/.

(Source: Marketwired)