Medtronic is releasing in Europe its PEEK PREVAIL cervical interbody device. Originally introduced in Spring of 2009, the PREVAIL uses two screws for anchoring and eliminates the need to implant a metal stabilization plate that protects the graft.
From a Medtronic press release:
Biomechanical data suggest that the PEEK PREVAIL® Device, with two integrated bone screws, provides construct rigidity similar to that obtained by the traditional fixation techniques of a threaded cage or a graft with plating.
Made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), the new implant is invisible on x-rays, which allows the surgeon to view the spinal fusion during a follow-up visit. Featuring an "I-beam" shape with a two-screw configuration, the device incorporates a Nitinol wire locking mechanism to keep the screws securely in place.
The PEEK PREVAIL® Cervical Interbody Device is indicated for use in patients with cervical disc disease from the C2-C3 disc to the C7-T1 disc. Cervical disc disease is defined as intractable radiculopathy (radiating pain) and/or myelopathy (weakness) with herniated disc and/or osteophyte formation on posterior vertebral end plates producing symptomatic nerve root and/or spinal cord compression confirmed by radiographic studies. The PEEK PREVAIL® Cervical Interbody Device must be used with internal screw fixation provided by ZEPHIR® Anterior Cervical screws.
Press release: Medtronic Introduces the PEEK PREVAIL® Device for Neck Surgery in Europe…
Flashback: PEEK PREVAIL Cervical Interbody Device for Spinal Fusions