Integra LifeSciences (Nasdaq:IART) announced today the U.S. commercial launch of Integra Spine's Paramount® Pedicle Screw (PS) Fixation System for minimally invasive spine surgery. Previously, the Paramount® PS system was available to a select group of Paramount® PS users. With the completion of a national training effort, the Paramount® PS system is now available nationwide through Integra Spine's independent distribution network.
"Our nationwide training program for the Paramount® PS system has been very successful," said Stuart Essig, CEO of Integra LifeSciences. "We're pleased that we are now able to offer surgeons throughout the United States a more patient-friendly, less invasive system for spine surgery."
An estimated 470,000 thoraco-lumbar fusions will be performed in the United States in 2010 to treat spinal disorders. Spine surgeons typically perform these procedures using highly invasive open techniques. The Paramount® system gives surgeons a minimally invasive option to place the pedicle screws through a percutaneous tube. Patient benefits may include faster procedures, reduced blood loss, less tissue trauma and postoperative pain, and a shorter hospital stay.
One of the Paramount® system's unique features is its rod delivery system, wherein the rod is already attached to the polyaxial head, helping to streamline the surgical procedure and reduce the number of operative steps for the surgeon. The system also features a novel compression/distraction system and a robust rod reduction system. Additionally, the advanced Paramount® screw delivery system uses a proprietary non-cannulated screw design with a K-wire guided tip for accurate screw placement and enhanced screw strength.