Covidien has unveiled a new articulating reloadable absorbable fixation device, ReliaTack, for laparoscopic or minimally-invasive hernia repair.
Claimed to be the first and only such device available for laparoscopic hernia repair, ReliaTack device provides superior access, stronger fixation and lower cost of care.
Covidien Hernia vice-president and general manager Rob Claypoole said: "Developed with valuable input from surgeons, the ReliaTack™ device, combined with our recently-launched Symbotex™ composite mesh, benefits patients while helping drive greater operating room efficiency and economic benefits.
"The ReliaTack™ fixation device overcomes numerous physical and ergonomic challenges in ventral hernia repair by allowing a wide variety of angles to more effectively position and secure hernia mesh."
Featuring a 65-degree articulation, the new device is equipped with screw-like tacks that provide double the strength of other fixation devices available in the market, and come in interchangeable five- and 10-tack reload sets.
Covidien Research & Development vice-president Matt Cohen said: "Covidien’s proven tack design helps surgeons ensure that the mesh will stay in place, one of the key concerns of hernia repair surgery.
"By offering interchangeable tack reload sets, ReliaTack™ helps to eliminate much of the waste associated with non-articulating devices."
In April this year, the US FDA granted 510(K) clearance for theReliaTack device.
According to the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), it is estimated that roughly 90,000 ventral hernia repair procedures are carried out in the US each year.
Image: ReliaTack from Covidien is the first and only articulating reloadable absorbable fixation device for minimally-invasive ventral hernia repair. Photo: courtesy of Business Wire.