IlluminOss Announces First Human Case Utilizing Its Innovative Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System Technology

Main Category: Bones / Orthopedics
Also Included In: IT / Internet / E-mail;  Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 20 Feb 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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IlluminOss Medical Inc., a medical device company developing the innovative IlluminOss(TM) Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System for orthopedic surgery, announced that the first procedure utilizing the IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System had been performed on a 21 year old patient with a fracture of the 5th metacarpal.

With traditional methods of treating fractures, often an incision the full length of the fracture line has to be made; and plates and screws inserted to stabilize the fracture. There may be extensive soft tissue damage; the patient has limited or no mobility initially which may lead to temporary or permanent stiffness; and the patient may experience severe pain.

The IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System requires just a small 4.5mm pathway into the bone to stabilize it. A small diameter balloon catheter and light fiber are inserted into the intramedullary canal of the bone. A photo sensitive, liquid monomer is then infused into the balloon. The monomer expands the balloon to fit the contours of the interior of the bone, aiding in the reduction of the fracture. Then the light source is activated, converting the liquid monomer into a hardened polymer within 90 seconds. The tiny skin incision is then closed.

Unlike other methods of fracture treatment, the IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System is designed to enable the patient to have immediate joint mobility post procedure without the need for immobilization. The fracture also becomes partially weight bearing immediately. Due to the minimally invasive approach, soft tissue injury is virtually eliminated. Having immediate mobility minimizes the potential for tendon adhesions and a tenolysis procedure to remove them.

According to Arnold-Peter C. Weiss, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of IlluminOss Medical, "The instrumentation is intuitive and easy to use. The case report from the hospital indicates that the overall procedure went according to plan with no complications. The patient had mobility immediately. At six weeks the x-rays showed an advanced consolidation process, with no migration of the device and no displacement of the fracture. Clinically, the patient had complete mobility and almost the same strength with a minimal scar. He was working and leading a normal life."

Said Bob Rabiner, Founder and CEO of IlluminOss Medical, "This case represents a major milestone for IlluminOss and patients worldwide. We believe that our minimally invasive technology will fundamentally improve the treatment of hundreds of thousands of bone fractures by driving much earlier restoration of functionality, improving the durability of orthopedic repairs, decreasing pain and reducing scarring."

About IlluminOss Medical Inc.

IlluminOss Medical is a privately held, early-stage medical device company dedicated to the development of minimally invasive orthopedic systems for the stabilization and treatment of bone fractures. The IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System utilizes a photodynamic (light-curable) polymer system intended to eliminate the need for traditional, inconvenient and painful methods of bone fixation with external pins, plates and screws. The Company is currently developing the IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System for small bones such as fractures of the hands, wrists, clavicle and arms. It is anticipated that the IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System will also have applications in the spine and long bones.

Founded in 2007, IlluminOss is headquartered in East Providence, RI. For more information about IlluminOss Medical, please visit http://www.illuminoss.com.

IlluminOss Medical Inc.
http://www.illuminoss.com

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