Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) said today that it’s launching several new components for its oblique lateral spinal fusion system.
Fridley, Minn.-based Medtronic said the Pivox system for its OLIF25 and Divergence-L for the OLIF51 system are slated to debut at the International Meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques in Washington this week.
The OLIF procedures are designed to minimize the amount of muscle needed to be cut during lumbar spinal fusion procedures, the company said.
“Our goal is to enable the best possible patient care, so we continue to innovate and evolve spine surgery to address unmet needs,” Medtronic Spine president Doug King said in prepared remarks. “The OLIF procedures represent an evolution in lateral access, and we’re pleased to see more surgeons undertaking this evolution in their approach.”
“In my opinion, OLIF is one of the least invasive manners in which to achieve successful fusion in the lumbar spine. OLIF minimizes disruption of the tissues surrounding the spine, particularly the psoas muscle and the embedded nerves. There is no need to use neuromonitoring, and the entire procedure can be done without repositioning the patient,” added Dr. Kamal Woods of Advanced Neurosurgery Associates in Murrieta, Calif. “As with any anterolateral procedure, safe access to the spine is critical. The OLIF25 and OLIF51 retractor systems enhance the ease and reproducibility of the procedure.”
Late last month, NuVasive Inc. (NSDQ:NUVA) agreed to pay Medtronic $45 million to settle their long-running patent infringement beef, putting to rest a battle that began when Medtronic subsidiary Warsaw Orthopedic sued NuVasive in 2008. San Diego-based NuVasive counter-sued; in September 2011 a jury split the verdict, awarding $101.2 million in damages to Medtronic and $660,000 to NuVasive.
Last year the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld its decision to award a win to NuVasive and ordered a new trial to determine damages (that trial has not taken place).