Precision Spine, Inc. has “gold standard” open surgical outcomes in its sights as it launches its MD-Max ULIF (Universal Lumbar Interbody Fusion) Minimally Disruptive, Maximum Access System.
Background
The MD-Max ULIF System is described as a versatile, minimally invasive retractor access/fixation system that is designed to enable surgeons to achieve results which are the same as, or better than, those attributed to the classic open approach. The design goal of the system is to achieve maximum access to the operative site in a minimally disruptive manner, thereby helping reduce blood loss and optimizing OR time. The knock-on advantage of that is hoped to be improved patient mobility and reduced dependence on pain relief medications contrast with percutaneous approaches that can create surgical trauma by puncturing muscle. All of that should translate into enhanced cost-effectiveness.
The system’s approach is designed to shorten the learning curve and reduce OR time by using techniques already familiar to surgeons. The MD-Max ULIF System allows surgeons to address all of the pathology with decompression from a unilateral approach and a contralateral distraction of the spine via contralateral sleeves. The retractor design permits bi-lateral distraction of the disc space to open up both neuroforamen symmetrically. Further, the team was driven by the concept that if the surgeon wants to reach the spine from an ipsilateral approach, all pathology should be addressable both contralaterally and ipsilaterally from one side only and, if contralateral decompression becomes necessary, the system should allow the surgeon to do so.
The MD-Max ULIF System utilizes Precision Spine’s breakaway Extended Tab SureLOK™ C Screw System featuring breakaway tabs at 10mm increments to permit improved access, coupled with an “open tulip” design for facilitating easier rod insertion. The screws are intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in skeletally mature patients as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of the a range of acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine.
Physician comments
Donald Kucharzyk, DO of The Orthopaedic, Pediatric and Spine Institute in Crown Point, Indiana and lead development surgeon for the system commented, ‟The MD-Max ULIF System is designed to incorporate minimally disruptive techniques familiar to spine surgeons, and the ability to facilitate maximum access through very small incision sites. I believe that the system is a win-win for surgeons, hospitals and payers because its goal is to combine greater OR efficiency with the ability to perform parallel and multi-level distractions and the possibility of speedier patient recovery. Its muscle sparing approach is expected to reduce OR time and meet or exceed results associated with the classic open approach, but reduce the blood loss and surgical trauma that can lead to longer recovery times and extensive use of pain medication.”
Company comments
Rich Dickerson, President of Precision Spine, added, ‟The MD-Max ULIF System represents a significant addition to the Precision Spine thoracolumbar product portfolio and reflects our company’s commitment to bringing surgeons highly versatile, efficient and cost-effective advancements that successfully address needs across a wide spectrum of spine pathologies.ˮ
Source: Precision Spine, Inc., Business Wire
published: November 10, 2014 in: Launches / Withdrawals, Spine