DePuy Spine, Inc. announced the worldwide launch of the award-winning VIPER® 3D MIS Correction Set at the 46th Annual Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) meeting, 46th Annual Meeting. It is the first surgical instrumentation system designed specifically for the minimally invasive three-dimensional correction of complex spinal deformities.

Praveen Mummaneni, MD, one of DePuy Spine’s design consultant who works at the University of California, San Francisco said:

“The VIPER 3D Set makes performing complex corrections through small incisions less challenging and should help surgeons offer the minimally invasive option to more patients.”

Complex health problems, such as adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are corrected by the three-dimensional system through the alignment of an abnormal spinal curvature in three directions – front to back, left to right and top to bottom. At present, the majority of these pathologies are treated through traditional open surgery.

Designed to enable a minimally invasive approach, i.e. smaller incisions, less pain, lower infection rates, less blood loss and quicker recovery than traditional open surgery, the VIPER 3D Set, used with either the VIPER MIS Spine System or EXPEDIUM® Spine System consists of instrumentation and devices for a variety of correction maneuvers and techniques.

Included in the Set is the MIS Rod Inserter/Rotator allowing 360 degree correction, a spondy reduction lever to control sagittal alignment, derotation and correction frames, a multi-level compression and distraction device to control orientation at individual levels as well as approximation tools for seamless rod reduction.

Namal Nawana, Worldwide President, DePuy Spine declared:

“DePuy Spine continues to work to develop minimally invasive surgical devices and instruments that are intuitive and versatile to better help surgeons adopt the technique for appropriate spinal pathologies.”

VIPER 3D was recently presented with two prestigious awards; it received the 2011 Edison Best New Product Award™ for innovation in the science and medical category and the Johnson Medal, a Johnson & Johnson award for outstanding science and technology for contributions to a product through innovation, patient impact, and perseverance to success.

VIPER’s product line includes recent product additions, including cobalt chrome rods and a variety of screw options. The VIPER System and VIPER 3D Set can be fitted with any combination of polyaxial, uniplanar, monoaxial, iliac fixation, or extended tab reduction (X-Tabs) screws in either an MIS or open setting allowing surgeons to customize technique based on patient needs and surgical preferences.

Written by Petra Rattue