Medtronic has announced a release of an intervertebral body fusion device, a system called SOVEREIGN™, that can provide spine stabilization in patients that want to avoid bone grafts, and the traditional metal plates.
The SOVEREIGN Spinal System incorporates a lens-shaped device with three holes for the placement of titanium screws, which protrude through the device and stabilize the adjacent vertebral bodies while preventing expulsion of the implant. The system also incorporates a cover plate that is designed to resist screw backout and that must be used in combination with the screws. Made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), the SOVEREIGN device is radiolucent on x-rays, which allows the surgeon to view the spinal fusion during a follow-up visit.
The SOVEREIGN Spinal System is indicated for use with autogenous bone graft in patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) at one or two contiguous vertebral levels from L2 to S1. DDD is defined as discogenic back pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These patients should be skeletally mature and have had six months of non-operative treatment. The implant may be implanted via a laparoscopic or an open anterior approach.
The SOVEREIGN intervertebral body fusion device may be used as a stand-alone device or in conjunction with supplemental fixation. When used as a stand-alone device, the SOVEREIGN interbody device is intended to be used with the three titanium alloy screws and the accompanying cover plate. If the physician chooses to use less than three or none of the provided screws, then additional supplemental fixation which has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in the lumbar spine must be used to augment stability. The accompanying cover plate MUST be used anytime the device is used with any number of screws.
Press release: Medtronic Introduces the Sovereign™ Spinal System for Lumbar Surgery…
