Used clinically to straighten a human spine
Ellipse Technologies (Ellipse) has introduced the first dynamic adjustment of its MAGEC (MAGnetic Expansion Control) system. The company claims that this marks the first human use of any medical device operated via remote control that can non-invasively expand or reverse its length to straighten a human spine.
Three patients have received the MAGEC implants. The company expects three additional remote control adjustments in January 2010 as part of Ellipse initial worldwide, multi-center clinical usage study.
Ellipse has developed the MAGEC technology for minimally invasive, and ultimately non-invasive, orthopedic deformity prevention and management. The company has filed numerous patent applications for use of MAGEC technology for a broad range of clinical applications.
The company is currently concentrating on deformity and trauma applications in the orthopedic and spinal markets. MAGEC technology is a breakthrough medical device technology capable of non-invasively adjusting (expandable and reversible) implants within the human body from outside the body via remote control. The first application for this technology is for the treatment of spinal scoliosis in children.
Reportedly, with the MAGEC technology, a single minimally invasive surgical procedure is completed. Then, during a series of routine outpatient visits, the physician will dynamically adjust the MAGEC technology from outside the body via the MAGEC system’s control unit, thus eliminating the need for multiple highly invasive surgical procedures.
The MAGEC system is being developed to provide multiple clinical advantages such as spinal motion preservation, no long term permanent implant, minimal trauma and scarring, and short hospitalisation times.
Michael Henson, chairman of Ellipse Technologies, said: “Ellipse hopes to revolutionise the treatment of scoliosis and offer corrective therapy to a broader population in need, consisting of both young and older scoliosis patients. The company is currently enrolling patients in a worldwide, multi-center study and based on our recent CE Mark approval, we plan to progress simultaneously with a limited market launch in Europe.”