A surgical solution designed to “simplify discectomy in minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery,” the Concorde Clear from DePuy Synthes has this week been released across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
“Concorde Clear is an ideal tool to enhance discectomy procedures,” says Gerd Bordon (Hospital de Manises, Valencia, Spain). “I find it simple to use, it increases the efficiency of my procedures and improves the cleaning of the disc space. I believe it will lead to better patient outcomes in spinal fusion surgery.”
According to DePuy Synthes, the device is single-use, and data presented in 2015 show that it allows surgeons to remove more of the disc material. The clear handle is designed to allow surgeons a better view of collected disc material, the company says.
“This allows surgeons to complete the surgery more efficiently, which could lead to improved patient outcomes,” a press release reads.
There is an increased demand for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) due to the likelihood of shorter hospital stays and decreased risk of postoperative complications. MIS now accounts for about a sixth of all spine surgeries—a demand which is predicted to outstrip that for open surgery over the next eight years.
“The Concorde Clear MIS Discectomy Device is a true innovation that embodies our mission to make spinal fusion surgery less invasive for patients and less complicated for surgeons,” says Jordy Winters, Lead of DePuy Synthes Spine EMEA. He adds that both the Concorde Clear and DePuy Synthes’ Viper Prime system—an all-in-one instrument for inserting pedicle screws announced last month—“are clear examples of how we continue to innovate in order to meet the increasing demand for MIS in spine.”
“We have provided two procedural solutions that are intended to make spinal fusion procedures more reproducible for surgeons, and result in better outcomes for patients,” adds Winters.
While disc herniation is responsible for around 5% of low back pain, in 2011 it accounted for some 28% of all spine surgery procedures performed.
