Medtronic's Supply Of Multi-Axial Screws In United States Not Affected By Injunction

Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 20 Dec 2007 - 14:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) announced that the sale of its recently-introduced VERTEX SELECT multi-axial screw is not affected by an injunction issued against the continued sale of the multi-axial screws used in the company's VERTEX® and VERTEX MAX spinal systems. VERTEX SELECT is an improved, proprietary, multi-axial screw that is a substitute for the enjoined screws. The new design offers features and benefits that will allow surgeons to continue to perform complex spinal surgeries.

The U.S. District Court in Boston issued the injunction following a jury verdict in an on-going patent dispute over the VERTEX and VERTEX MAX multi-axial screws.

"We respectfully disagree with the judge's decision in this matter and will appeal," said Pete Wehrly, senior vice president and president of the Spinal and Biologics business unit at Medtronic. "With the improved VERTEX SELECT products now available, U.S. surgeons will not be impacted by supply issues of this important medical device system."

The court's decision has no effect on Medtronic's CD HORIZON® LEGACY™ screw sets.

About The Spinal and Biologics Business at Medtronic

The Spinal and Biologics business at Medtronic, based in Memphis, Tenn., is the global leader in today's spine market and is committed to advancing the treatment of spinal conditions. Medtronic collaborates with world-renowned surgeons, researchers and innovative partners to offer state-of-the-art products and technologies for neurological, orthopedic, oral maxillofacial 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 http://www.medtronicspinal.com and its patient-education Web sites, http://www.back.com, http://www.iscoliosis.com, http://www.maturespine.com, and http://www.necksurgery.com.

About Medtronic

Medtronic, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.

http://www.medtronic.com