VertiFlex, a producer of minimally invasive and motion preserving spinal surgery technologies, has reported the successful implantation of its Shockwave Dynamic Stabilization Systemhuman in human. The surgery was performed by Dr Stefan Hellinger at the ISAR Klinik in Munich, Germany.
The Shockwave System is the company’s next generation Dynamic Rod that provides the motion of any dynamic rod, while also limiting extension for proper load sharing. The Shockwave Rod allows for 4mm of unconstrained axial translation with an additional 20° of conical rotation.
It is designed to allow patients a normal range of motion while providing hard stops that limit excessive motion and thereby relieve symptoms. Shockwave is currently CE marked and under limited release in Europe and is not commercially available in the US, said the company.
Dr Hellinger said: “I am pleased with the outcome of this surgery. I have a long history with Dynamic Rods and I am excited about Shockwave because it allows for significant controlled movement through normal anatomical motion, yet does not permit hyper-mobility. The truly percutaneous implantation of this device also reduces the burden to the patient. I believe the Shockwave Dynamic Rod will provide distinct benefits to a set of my patients over the currently available Dynamic Rods.”
Earl Fender, president and CEO of VertiFlex, said: “The Shockwave Dynamic Rod System represents another evolution in VertiFlex’s long line of leading percutaneous and motion preserving spinal implants. We are excited about the future of this unique system and are looking forward to closely monitoring initial patient outcomes.”