A new light activated bone glue that promises to act like an internal cast, has been trialed on a first patient. IlluminOss Medical Inc.’s Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System uses a balloon catheter to inject the special glue into bone. A light is then shone via the catheter to harden the substance into place.
More about the technology from the press release:
With traditional methods of treating fractures, often an incision the full length of the fracture line has to be made; and plates and screws inserted to stabilize the fracture. There may be extensive soft tissue damage; the patient has limited or no mobility initially which may lead to temporary or permanent stiffness; and the patient may experience severe pain.
The IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System requires just a small 4.5mm pathway into the bone to stabilize it. A small diameter balloon catheter and light fiber are inserted into the intramedullary canal of the bone. A photo sensitive, liquid monomer is then infused into the balloon. The monomer expands the balloon to fit the contours of the interior of the bone, aiding in the reduction of the fracture. Then the light source is activated, converting the liquid monomer into a hardened polymer within 90 seconds. The tiny skin incision is then closed.
Unlike other methods of fracture treatment, the IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System is designed to enable the patient to have immediate joint mobility post procedure without the need for immobilization. The fracture also becomes partially weight bearing immediately. Due to the minimally invasive approach, soft tissue injury is virtually eliminated. Having immediate mobility minimizes the potential for tendon adhesions and a tenolysis procedure to remove them.
According to Arnold-Peter C. Weiss, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of IlluminOss Medical, “The instrumentation is intuitive and easy to use. The case report from the hospital indicates that the overall procedure went according to plan with no complications. The patient had mobility immediately. At six weeks the x-rays showed an advanced consolidation process, with no migration of the device and no displacement of the fracture. Clinically, the patient had complete mobility and almost the same strength with a minimal scar. He was working and leading a normal life.”
Press release: IlluminOss Announces First Human Case Utilizing Its Innovative Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System Technology…
IlluminOss Medical…
Image: A balloon catheter and optical fiber are inserted through a tiny incision, in the IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System. A light-sensitive glue is infused into the balloon, in images 2 and 3, then light is used to activate and rapidly harden the compound.
