Medical device company Life Spine has secured 510(k) approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for its LONG BOW Expandable Lateral Interbody System.
According to the company, the system is the first interbody system, which expands laterally in-situ specifically for a direct lateral approach.
Life Spine business development and professional relations vice president Richard Greiber said the surgeons can decrease the amount of retraction by as much as 45% with the new interbody system, compared to current lateral systems.
"The benefits of LONG BOW are transferred directly to the patient by minimizing tissue retraction and potential nerve damage associated with the lateral access approach," Greiber added.
The company is planning limited release of LONG BOW at the end of this year, while full release is planned in the first quarter of 2015.
Life Spine develops and markets products for the surgical treatment of spinal disorders.