November 7th, 2011 Brian Klein Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery

Medtronic has expanded its Minimal Access Spinal Technologies (MAST) line with the MIDLF system for minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery. Designed for use in a midline lumbar laminectomy procedure, the system does away with the need for surgeons to work through a tubular retractor. In addition, the procedure can be performed using relatively small incisions.

“This surgical strategy enables a highly efficient, minimally invasive lumbar fusion, while allowing visualization of familiar posterior landmarks,” explained spine surgeon Richard Hynes, MD in a press release. “A midline approach offers surgeons a number of benefits in addressing the challenges associated with decompression as well as sacral fixation in the lumbar or lower spine.”

The company has also announced the launch of the T2 Altitude expandable corpectomy device in the United States and Europe. The device is a self-locking expandable vertebral body replacement cage intended for use in the thoracolumbar spine (T1-L5). The self-locking mechanism eliminates the need for placing a set screw during surgery. Offered in various sizes, the device is designed to stabilize and correct the spine in patients with a traumatic or tumor disorder. The device enables the surgeon to insert the cage from a posterior, anterior, or lateral approach. After insertion and expansion, the cage can be filled with bone graft.

Both devices were launched at the meeting of the North American Spine Society in Chicago, IL.

Press releases: Medtronic Introduces New Procedure for Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion; Medtronic Announces Global Launch of the T2 Altitude™ Expandable Corpectomy Device

Flashback: Medtronic Laounches SOLERA Spinal Implant System

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