Atlas Spine on 3 October announced today the full release of its Apelo MIS (minimally invasive) Pedicle Screw System. The Apelo MIS Pedicle Screw System is a spinal implant system used in the treatment of spinal disorders such as degenerative disc disease and deformity.
Apelo MIS leverages all of the advantages of its clinically proven predecessor Apelo. The system’s modular design provides a versatile, seamless approach to addressing both percutaneous (through the skin) and mini-open (reduced incision) procedures. “The whole idea behind minimally invasive spine surgery is to simplify steps to maximise efficiency and improve outcomes. Thanks to the expertise and guidance from our surgeon development team, the Apelo MIS System has proven throughout its alpha launch to be much more than a ‘me-too’ system, but instead has provided specific advancements to the current norm in minimally invasive spine surgery,” Matt Baynham, co-founder and chief technology officer.
The Apelo MIS system is highlighted by several proprietary features which include a guidewire management system providing surgeons complete control of their guidewires throughout the pedicle screw preparation and implantation process, and wound retraction capabilities for improved rod targeting and increased visualisation all through smaller incisions. These important features are designed to shorten surgical time and reduce the exposure to radiation through fluoroscopy for both the surgeon and their patients.
John Shiau, a neurosurgeon in MIS spine surgery at Staten Island University Hospital notes, “The MIS Apelo Pedicle Screw System is unique in its ability to prevent guide wire migration which is essential in minimally invasive spinal surgery. There are other clever refinements of the instruments that help me perform the surgery quicker.”
In addition, the system, according to the company, offers a selection of proprietary implant options which address more complicated pathologies such as spondylolisthesis and hyperlordosis. In situations where reduction of a spinal segment is not an option or too difficult, or when facing a hyperlordotic L5-S1 segment, the rod to screw interface accommodates the saggital misalignment, eliminating the need to bend rods, leave screws proud, or compromise screw purchase. “It is very gratifying to see these advancements in action and validated in the surgical setting. One of the most notable attributes of the system is its repeatability regardless of the clinical circumstances,” said Baynham.
