DUBLIN and SHANGHAI - July 25, 2016 - Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) today announced the global launch of VariLoc Locking Compression Plate System in China and other select countries. With the innovative variable angle locking technology, the system enables surgeons to adapt screw angulations to patient anatomy, capture fracture fragments, fine-tune screw trajectory after plate placement, and position screws precisely to avoid unnecessary penetration of the nearby joints. The VariLoc system is being launched on a country-by-country basis in 2016, beginning with China, Chile, Kenya, Pakistan, Lithuania, Greece, Poland, Turkey, Thailand, and Vietnam. Launches in additional markets are expected in the coming months, pending local approvals. The VariLoc system is not available for sale in the United States.
“Ever since the launch of MonoLoc® Locking Compression Plate System almost a decade ago, we have been focusing on the development of the next generation of locking technology,” said Alex Moussa, vice president and president of Medtronic Kanghui Orthopedics, which is part of the Restorative Therapies Group. “The Variable Angle Locking Technology we launched today can be used to treat a wide range of bone fractures from simple to complex. We are pleased to provide therapy solutions that may help tens of thousands of patients in need of better fracture treatment within China and in the global emerging markets. Medtronic Kanghui will continue to invest heavily in R&D to advance patient care.”
The newly launched VariLoc Locking Compression Plate System is covered by multiple patents, and exhibits the following features & benefits:
• Anatomical shape, low profile and blunt edges
• No need to bend the plate, easy insertion and prevention of soft tissue damage
• Variable angle locking screw
• Variable angle feature allows optimal fragment fixatio
• The round locking holes accept both variable angle locking screw and standard locking screw
• Cannulated locking screw
• For optimal compression of intra-articular fractures
• Color coding
• Simplified for stock management and size identification
“Medtronic Kanghui’s VariLoc Locking Clavicle Plate enables surgeons to insert a screw at the best angle for the most optimal purchase in smaller bone fragments, which minimizes the risk of joint penetration. Low-profile plates are designed specifically for the clavicles, and more plates of diverse shapes and sizes are available for our choice, to satisfy patients with different anatomy,” said Dr. Jian Lu from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. “I believe Medtronic Kanghui will continue to develop an increasing number of innovative therapies to enable us as physicians to better relieve patients’ pain and allow for earlier patient recovery.”
In addition to the implants, comprehensive instrument sets were also released to the market simultaneously. The color coding of the instruments offers easy identification during the operation and an additional screw removal kit is available upon request.
About Medtronic Kanghui Orthopedics
Medtronic Kanghui Orthopedics is a division within the Restorative Therapies Group at Medtronic plc, and is a global leader in orthopedic industry offering economic value to healthcare providers through innovative products and solutions. In November 2012, Medtronic, Inc., announced that it had completed its acquisition of Kanghui Holding, making it the first Medtronic business unit headquartered outside the United States. Medtronic Kanghui Orthopedics consists of two manufacturing sites in China, including Changzhou Kanghui Medical Innovation Co., Ltd. and Beijing Libeier Bio-engineering Institute Co., Ltd. There are 1200+ employees in the division, and its business covers China and more than 40 countries outside of China. Leveraging the Medtronic branding publicity and sound business network, the division is expanding its business rapidly across global emerging market with strong product portfolio and reliable product quality.
About Medtronic
Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world’s largest medical technology, services and solutions companies - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 85,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in approximately 160 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.
