Aesculap Implant Systems has announced the availability of the new S4 Element MIS system, the only posterior lumbar pedicle screw fixation system to utilise endoscope technology to gain direct visualisation, providing the advantages of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with enhanced view of surgical site. To further differentiate S4 Element MIS, the system offers an industry leading rescue technique and instrumentation designed to minimise risk of open conversion during MIS. With novel, slim profile instrumentation and proven implant stability, the S4 Element MIS provides a simple approach for percutaneous lumbar spinal fusion surgery.
Peyman Pakzaban of Houston MicroNeurosurgery in Pasadena, Texas, USA, describes S4 Element MIS as “a simple, intuitive, and elegant system that has many unique features that address the needs of both experienced and transitioning MIS surgeons.” Some of these features include direct surgical site visualisation, an optimised operating room workflow, implant stability and reduced risk of conversion.
S4 Element MIS provides a direct view during rod passing through the use of endoscope technology, providing the ability to confirm rod location and orientation, troubleshoot, and minimise guesswork associated with the MIS spine surgery while reducing exposure to radiation.
S4 Element MIS offers intuitive, streamlined instrumentation to facilitate efficiency in the operating room. The slim profile minimizes soft-tissue interference and novel downtube technology allows for instrumentation to be introduced through the 16.5mm diameter to reduce bulk at the surgical site and eliminate the need to lengthen the incision for rod insertion.
The S4 Element MIS System relies on the S4 Element pedicle screw technology introduced by Aesculap in 2010. The ultra-low profile size, interlocking thread design and unique locking technology combine to maximise implant biomechanics.
The S4 Element MIS system minimises risk of converting to an open procedure, which can lengthen procedure time and reduce the known patient benefits of MIS, with instrumentation engineered to easily reattach the downtube to the screw in-situ.
S4 Element is intended for anterior/anterolateral and posterior, non-cervical pedicle and non-pedicle fixation. Fixation is limited to skeletally mature patients and is intended to be used as an adjunct to fusion using autograft or allograft.
