Vertebral compression fractures, usually due to osteoporosis or cancer, can cause significant problems including pain, neurological symptoms, and incontinence. Percutaneous kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty has several advantages over open surgery – it is less invasive, has a faster recovery time, and can be performed without the need for general anesthesia in some cases. Now, Medtronic has received FDA approval for a new version of their Xpander Inflatable Bone Tamp. The new version is advertised as having an improved inflation pattern, as well as its ability to exert a greater lifting force than the previous model. An additional difference is that the surgeon can maintain inflation of one balloon tamp while delivering bone cement to the other side of the vertebrae.
Kyphon Xpander II will enter into a limited market release in November in the U.S. The product is expected to be available internationally in 2011.
Here is a video of the Kyphon procedure:
Press release: Medtronic Announces NEW INFLATABLE BONE TAMP FOR TREATMENT OF VERTEBRAL COMPRESSION FRACTURES…