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Technology
The art and science of medicine continues to evolve with the development of technology, in many cases enabling less invasive treatment with superior outcomes in the field of neurosurgery. From implant devices for the spine, to medical imaging and radiosurgery, recent advances provide new options for better patient care.
A cervical plate system used to stabilize vertebrae in the neck, the Atlantis® plates are used in anterior (approach from the front) procedures, and provide superior post-operative stability and long-term results with fewer complications. In many cases, the need for the patient to wear a cervical collar is eliminated, and the patient is able to resume normal activities more quickly.
The CAPSTONE® Instruments are some of the most versatile instruments used for spinal surgery.
The CAPSTONE® Instruments can be used in combination with Medtronic's METRx™ X-TUBE™ System, PYRAMETRIX® ADVANCE Instruments, and the CD HORIZON® SEXTANT® Rod Insertion System to allow a surgeon to approach the spine using an open, mini-open or minimally invasive technique.
When an intervertebral disc ruptures in the lumbar spine, it sometimes causes nerve root compression. This can lead to pain in the patient's back or legs. The CAPSTONE® Instruments are often used in laminotomy, facetectomy and discectomy procedures , which potentially relieve pain by restoring the original disc space in order to unpinch, or release, the pressure on the nerves coming out of the spine.
After restoring the disc height, the CAPSTONE® Instruments can be used to insert a bone spacer, which provides structural support to the spine while bone grows between the lumbar vertebrae, fusing them together. Some bone spacers have a curved, bullet-shaped nose, making them easier to insert and better fit a patient's normal spinal anatomy.
You can find more information on minimally invasive surgical therapies at www.back.com .
The CD Horizon Antares® is a dual-rod device providing stabilization and correction of defects due to trauma, deformity, or tumors. Like the Atlantis plate, it is attached to the anterior (front facing) side of the vertebrae.
The CD Horizon Sextant® is a rod insertion system used for minimally invasive spinal surgery, which greatly limits the damage done to the skin, muscles, and ligaments surrounding the spine, thereby decreasing postoperative pain and shortening recovery.
Replacing the pelvic bone graft typically used in disc fusion surgeries, Infuse® is comprised of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein – a bone graft substitute that has effectively simulated human bone graft in large-scale studies. Because this eliminates a second surgical injury, comfort and recovery rates are increased over the prior practice of harvesting bone graft from the hip.
The LT Cage® is used between vertebrae in spinal fusion operations performed through minimally invasive techniques. Unlike rods or other methods, the LT Cage preserves the natural balance and lordosis (curve) of the spine, while minimizing damage to the vertebral endplates. The device is structured with large holes to maximize growth of bone material within.
The METRx® system allows minimally invasive surgical techniques to be used for laminotomy, medial facetectomy, foraminotomy, nerve root retraction and discectomy – but by applying open surgical techniques through a tubular retractor under microsurgery visualization.
StealthStation
The StealthStation® is an image-guided surgery system, providing microscopic display of the work area and guidance of the surgeon's tools. Use of this system provides a magnified view of the work area, enabling the surgeon to perform very delicate and precise functions with accuracy.
The TANGENT® Posterior Impacted Instrument Set allows a surgeon to perform the Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion operation with minimal amount of neural retraction required. It also maximizes the amount of disc space distraction that is possible, and facilitates precise endplate preparation.
The TSRH-3D® Spinal Instrumentation system can be used to correct a variety of degenerative conditions of the lumbar spine using a single instrumentation system. By applying forces in three dimensions between vertebrae, stabilization can be achieved while maintaining the optimal curvature of the spine.
The VERTEX® reconstruction system was designed to provide room for creativity in the placement of attachment mechanisms, which is particularly necessary in addressing the junction between neck and upper to middle back. The challenge lies in the variance between extreme flexibility of the cervical spine, as opposed to the more rigid thoracic region. Used in combination with other devices, the Vertex system allows customization to fit the unique needs of each patient.
A medical imaging system used to provide the surgeon with visualization and guidance during procedures, the ISO C3D C-arm provides a view similar to CT scan in real time during surgery.
Used in the treatment of tumors of the brain and spine, the Cyberknife is not a cutting instrument at all, but stereotactic radiosurgery – a means of targeting radiation to a very precise location within the body while not harming nearby tissue. Unlike traditional radiosurgery tools like the Gamma knife, the Cyberknife does not require the use of an invasive and traumatic head frame for patient immobilization.
Additionally, the Cyberknife system is capable of treating tumors and lesions in areas difficult or impossible to reach with conventional, frame-based systems.