Medtronic Makes Global Launch of New Spinal System

On Jan. 27, Medtronic’s spinal division released its CD Horizon Solera in the U.S. market, in addition to a limited market release in Japan. The launch is part of the CD Horizon family of fixation devices, designed to provide spinal stabilization and correction as an addition to fusion in patients suffering from painful and function‐limiting disorders of the middle and lower back.

The new system is designed to be compatible with Medtronic’s proprietary minimally invasive technologies, known as MAST. It also is integrated with Medtronic’s surgical navigation and imaging systems and the NIM-Eclipse neuromonitoring system. According to Medtronic officials, this allows for decreased exposure to radiation for hospital staff, as well as improved accuracy of device placement to avoid injury to nerves. The system accommodates multiple rod material options, allowing choice in rod flexibility and strength to match the demands of a variety of spinal conditions. Additionally, smaller implants may provide the advantages of increased room for bone graft required for fusion, and reduced impingement on the facet joints. The facet joints are the small stabilizing joints located at the intersection of adjacent vertebrae.

The new implants also are equipped with tracking technology, which is similar to barcode technology, and provides device quality and utilization‐related data for customers in a manner that meets anticipated U.S. Food and Drug Administration requirements for unique device identification.

“The launch of the CD Horizon Solera Spinal System is a key step in renewing our global fixation business, bringing new innovation to the market and extending our industry-leading portfolio of spinal therapies,” said Doug King, vice president and general manager of Medtronic’s spine business.”

CD Horizon Solerais Medtronic’s fifth generation spinal fusion system and is cleared to treat patients with degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, fracture, dislocation, failed previous fusions, tumors and, uniquely, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The implant system builds on a 25-year and 500,000-patients history with the represented by the CD Horizon product line.

The Solera systems uses a lower-profile pedicle screw that employs a proprietary thread pattern for enhanced fixation at the bone‐implant interface, and a patented closure mechanism—or means of connecting to a variety of implants in a streamlined fashion. The company also noted that the system accommodates multiple rod material options and gives surgeons flexibility to treat a diverse set of spinal conditions.

Medtronic’s spine division is headquartered in Memphis, Tenn. The company’s Spinal, Biologics and Kyphon units accounted for $3.5 billion, or 22 percent, of Medtronic’s $15.8 billion in revenue in 2010.