ECA Medical Developing Disposable Torque-Limiting Instrument

ECAMedical Instruments Inc. is about to debut a thoracolumbar torque-limiting instrument rated at greater than 12Nm (more than 106 lb.in.).

The instrument — deemed a “world first” — is expected to be released within the next several weeks, according to the company. Ideal for spinal procedures, large bone repair/implants and general reconstructive surgery, the unnamed product comes with either an integrated shaft or can be fitted with existing shafts/drivers used with legacy implants. ECAMedical makes both the torque limiting handle and the precision machined instruments.

The device is part of ECA’s Torque-Fast product portfolio, which is designed for implant procedures where multiple screws, connectors and fasteners are used. Torque set points range from 0.112-12 Nm (1-110 lb.in.), and each instrument can be modified to meet the necessary torque requirements established by implant manufacturers.

ECA officials claim the Torque-Fast devices can help guarantee precise torque-limiting set points for every procedure; improve hopsital and operating room efficiency; reduce sterility costs and concerns about surgical site infections as well as lifecycle costs; and increase operating room flexibility and performance.

Estimates show annual savings of greater than $400 per procedure with conversion to disposable instruments for every orthopaedic implant procedure requiring torque or more than 1.7 million surgeries. The use of complete procedural kits can save American and European hospitals and implant firms more than $1 billion annually, the company claims.

ECAMedical Instruments designs and manufactures single-procedure torque limiting surgical instruments and kits.