MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT - News) announced today the U.S. launch of the T2 SCEPTOR™ Distractible End Cleats System. The T2 SCEPTOR system is a vertebral body replacement device intended for use in the thoracic and lumbar spine (T1–L5) to replace a collapsed, damaged or unstable vertebral body due to tumor or trauma, such as a fracture.
Used in conjunction with PYRAMESH® C Surgical Titanium Mesh, the T2 SCEPTOR Distractible End Cleats System provides increased surface area and end-plate contact to help decrease the risk of dislodging post operatively. The first of its kind, the system features multiple end cap angles and a broad range of sizes, both to accommodate individual patient anatomy. Coinciding with this launch, Medtronic is also introducing a new Round Mesh Cutter that provides a smoother and more consistent mesh cut than traditional mesh trimmers.
More than 150,000 people suffer from traumatic fractures of the thoracic or lumbar spine each year. In more than 10,000 of these cases, the trauma is so serious that it damages one or more spinal vertebrae to the point where they have to be surgically removed and replaced with a vertebral body replacement device. In addition to trauma, corpectomy procedures also may be done when a patient has cancer or a tumor that has resulted in spinal instability, pain, and/or neurologic deficit.
The T2 SCEPTOR Distractible End Cleats System must be used in conjunction with PYRAMESH C Titanium centerpieces and with additional anterior and/or posterior spinal instrumentation to augment stability.
According to Dean G. Karahalios, MD, neurosurgeon at the Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch and the designer surgeon for the device, “The T2 SCEPTOR system and Mesh Cutter eliminate many of the frustrating aspects around sizing and cutting the titanium mesh, but more importantly, provides surgeons flexibility of an infinitely customizable titanium mesh solution with the benefits of an expandable cage platform.”
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. More information about the company and its spinal treatments can be found at www.medtronicspinal.com and its patient-education Web sites, www.back.com, www.iscoliosis.com, www.maturespine.com, and www.necksurgery.com.
About Medtronic
Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology—alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.
The PYRAMESH® C Surgical Titanium Mesh System incorporates technology developed by Gary K. Michelson, MD.
Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 24, 2009. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.
Contact:
Medtronic, Inc. Public Relations Victor Rocha, 901-399-2401 or Investor Relations Jeff Warren, 763-505-2696