New device allows physicians to customise their treatment approach for vertebral compression fractures
Stryker’s Interventional Spine business unit today announced the release of its iVAS inflatable vertebral augmentation system, a minimally invasive device cleared for use in treating vertebral compression fractures.
With Stryker’s introduction of iVAS, physicians now have a single source for VCF solutions. The device is part of an unparalleled portfolio of mixer and delivery systems, bone cements and needles for both balloon kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty, widely used to treat the intense pain caused by VCFs.
“Every spine is unique and every fracture is different, that is why we have invested in developing the largest, most complete portfolio of products for treating VCFs,” explains David Veino, Director of Sales and Marketing for Stryker Interventional Spine. “Stryker offers solutions for both vertebral augmentation and vertebroplasty procedures, giving physicians the flexibility to customise their treatment approach based on the type of compression fracture and patient anatomy.”
Veino went on to explain that Stryker’s ability to be a single source of VCF solutions “allows physicians to form a cost-efficient partnership with a single vendor, potentially saving them time and money.”
During vertebral augmentation, a balloon catheter is used to create a void in the collapsed vertebra, helping to allow for controlled and contained cement delivery. The hardened cement creates an internal cast that stabilises the fracture, thereby alleviating pain in approximately 90% of patients.
It should also be noted that because vertebral augmentation and vertebroplasty relieve VCF-related pain and improve quality of life, the procedures have the potential to decrease overall VCF treatment costs by reducing use of post-treatment medical resources.
iVAS is designed with five key features that help promote enhanced procedure efficiency and outcomes:
• The stiff distal balloon catheter provides rigidity for smooth insertion.
• A flexible proximal catheter allows for easy manoeuvrability.
• The radiopaque markers on the balloon catheter helps facilitate accurate visualisation and placement of the balloon.
• The hand drill cuts cleanly through cancellous bone to create a channel for balloon placement.
• Graduation markings on the access cannula assist in measuring needle depth.
