Amedica Introduces 2.0 Version of Silicon Nitride Interbody Fusion Device

Salt Lake City, Utah-based Amedica Corporation is releasing the second generation of its silicon nitride transforaminal lumbar (TL) interbody fusion device. The Valeo II TL has upgraded its instrumentation to improve patient safety and surgeon ease of use, while maximizing central cavity space for autograft packing to facilitate fusion through the implant, according to the company.

The system is made of a micro composite silicon nitride biomaterial, which is designed to offer a better environment for bone growth and osteointegration when compared to competitive PEEK and titanium offerings. Valeo II TL silicon nitride interbody fusion devices also contain anti-infective properties and are semi-radiolucent with clearly visible boundaries in X-rays and produce no artifacts under MRI or CT (megnatic resonance imaging and computed tomography) scans. The combination of these properties is found only in Amedica’s silicon nitride biomaterial technology.

“With more than 20,000 implants to-date of our Valeo products, we’re proud to further expand our line of silicon nitride spinal interbody offerings,” said Eric Olson, CEO and president of Amedica. “This second generation TL device, in tandem with our anterior, posterior and oblique lumbar second generation silicon nitride interbody devices, greatly strengthens our ability to capture additional share within the $1.4 billion spinal interbody fusion device market.”

The Valeo II TL is indicated for intervertebral body fusion of the spine in skeletally mature patients and is designed for use with autograft to facilitate fusion.

Amedica makes medical-grade silicon nitride ceramics for spine fusion and orthopedic bearings for hip and knee arthroplasty.