Medtronic Unveils Variable Angle Locking Technology

Medtronic plc has announced the global launch of VariLoc Locking Compression Plate System in China and other select countries. With the innovative variable angle locking technology, the system enables surgeons to adapt screw angulations to patient anatomy, capture fracture fragments, fine-tune screw trajectory after plate placement, and position screws precisely to avoid unnecessary penetration of the nearby joints. The VariLoc system is being launched on a country-by-country basis in 2016, beginning with China, Chile, Kenya, Pakistan, Lithuania, Greece, Poland, Turkey, Thailand, and Vietnam. Launches in additional markets are expected in the coming months, pending local approvals. The VariLoc system is not available for sale in the United States.
 
“Ever since the launch of MonoLoc Locking Compression Plate System almost a decade ago, we have been focusing on the development of the next generation of locking technology,” said Alex Moussa, vice president and president of Medtronic Kanghui Orthopedics, which is part of the Restorative Therapies Group. “The Variable Angle Locking Technology we launched today can be used to treat a wide range of bone fractures from simple to complex. We are pleased to provide therapy solutions that may help tens of thousands of patients in need of better fracture treatment within China and in the global emerging markets. Medtronic Kanghui will continue to invest heavily in R&D to advance patient care.”
 
The newly launched VariLoc Locking Compression Plate System is covered by multiple patents, and exhibits the following features & benefits:

• Anatomical shape, low profile, and blunt edges
• No need to bend the plate, easy insertion and prevention of soft tissue damage
• Variable angle locking screw
• Variable angle feature allows optimal fragment fixation
• The round locking holes accept both variable angle locking screw and standard locking screw
• Cannulated locking screw
• For optimal compression of intra-articular fractures
• Color coding
• Simplified for stock management and size identification

“Medtronic Kanghui’s VariLoc Locking Clavicle Plate enables surgeons to insert a screw at the best angle for the most optimal purchase in smaller bone fragments, which minimizes the risk of joint penetration. Low-profile plates are designed specifically for the clavicles, and more plates of diverse shapes and sizes are available for our choice, to satisfy patients with different anatomy,” said Dr. Jian Lu from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. “I believe Medtronic Kanghui will continue to develop an increasing number of innovative therapies to enable us as physicians to better relieve patients’ pain and allow for earlier patient recovery.”
 
In addition to the implants, comprehensive instrument sets were also released to the market simultaneously. The color coding of the instruments offers easy identification during the operation and an additional screw removal kit is available upon request.