Medtronic Introduces The Vertex Select™ Reconstruction System Occipitocervical Module

Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 06 May 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) announced the U.S. launch of the VERTEX SELECT™ Reconstruction System Occipitocervical Module.

When a patient has a serious spinal condition that requires the base of the skull (occiput) to be fused, or joined, to the neck (cervical-upper thoracic spine), this complex procedure must be performed from the back of the spine, also known as a posterior approach. The VERTEX SELECT Occipitocervical Module contains implants and an instrument set necessary for performing this surgical procedure.

Conditions of the spine, such as degenerative disease, can lead to instability and pain for patients. To treat the instability, surgeons perform a spinal fusion, which involves joining two bones together, such as the occiput and vertebrae. Nearly 40,000 posterior cervical fusions are performed each year, of which approximately 10 percent involve occipitocervical fusions.

Used with the existing VERTEX® Reconstruction System, the VERTEX SELECT Occipitocervical Module offers adjustability through multiple plate designs, rods, screws, and hooks that gives surgeons more options during surgery, enabling them to tailor the procedure to each patient's needs. Additional enhancements to the VERTEX SELECT Reconstruction System will be released in the near future to further expand the system.

"The VERTEX SELECT Reconstruction System builds on our surgeons' trust and familiarity with our VERTEX Reconstruction System," said Steve La Neve, president of the Spinal and Biologics business and senior vice president at Medtronic. "Medtronic is the leader in the posterior cervical market because innovative therapies, such as this one, improve patients' lives." "The flexibility of the VERTEX SELECT Reconstruction System helps overcome challenges of occipitocervical fusion," said Dr. Vincent Traynelis, neurosurgeon at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. "The multiple fixation options provided by the Occipitocervical Module allow me to adapt to my patients' anatomy and adjust my constructs as needed."

About The Spinal and Biologics Business at Medtronic

The Spinal and Biologics business, based in Memphis, Tenn., is the global leader in today's 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.

Source
Medtronic

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