The vertebral augmentation field is getting more crowded, and, supposedly, cheaper. CareFusion has just announced an American launch of its new AVAmax® Vertebral Balloon. In a press release, without naming Medtronic’s Kyphon, that is clearly the target, CareFusion is throwing all sorts of verbal assaults and innuendos:
The AVAmax Vertebral Balloon represents a competitive breakthrough and is expected to enhance the affordability of spinal fracture procedures. CareFusion’s vertebral balloon product and related components cost up to 40 percent less than similar kyphoplasty products on the market today, making the procedure more cost effective and accessible to hospitals and outpatient surgery centers.
During the product’s limited release period, CareFusion completed approximately 300 case studies with eight in 10 physicians saying they would strongly consider switching to the AVAmax product, according to post-product evaluation surveys.
The AVAmax Vertebral Balloon is part of an all-in-one system that includes an eight-gauge or 10-gauge needle, bone cement and delivery instruments for kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, an alternate procedure to treat compression fractures. The all-in-one system gives doctors the choice and flexibility to perform either procedure at the time of patient care.
"The AVAmax Vertebral Balloon is easier to use and more efficiently designed than the system previously available to me," said C. Douglas Edmondson, M.D., FACR, Interventional Radiologist at Medical Center of South Arkansas. "With one more tool in the AVAmax toolbox, I can more selectively tailor spinal interventions with vertebropasty or kyphoplasty with a huge cost savings and no wasted materials."
The AVAmax® PLUS vertebral augmentation system, which delivers cement for the procedure, allows the radiologist’s hands to be out of the radiation field leading to reduced radiation exposure by clinicians.
Press release: CareFusion Announces National Launch of Spinal Fracture Device …
Product page: AVAmax® Vertebral Balloon …