Ellipse Technologies, Inc. has been given FDA permission to market their intramedullary limb lengthening system known as PRECISE. The device will be used for lengthening procedures of the tibia and femur bones. Traditional lengthening of bones occurs via an external adjustable fixation system, à la Ilizarov, attached to the leg bones through openings in the tissue. PRECISE will enable leg lengthening via non-invasive methods through remote control technology that enables adjustment of previously surgically implanted rods.
The system is essentially comprised of extension rods, a magnetic actuator, and a hand-held external remote controller (ERC). Once the magnetic actuator and extension rods have been surgically implanted in a sterile fashion, the ERC can be positioned against the skin to non-invasively shorten or lengthen the rods via the magnetic system. Limb lengthening is done for medical conditions such as major fractures, congenital abnormalities, or some forms of bone cancer. This non-invasive method hopes to reduce such complications as infections by eliminating the need for deep tissue exposure while lengthening bones over time.
Press release: Ellipse Technologies Announces FDA Clearance to Market the PRECICETM Remote-Control Leg Limb Lengthening Device …
Product page: PRECICE System …