NuVasive Launches its ALIF ACF Procedure in U.S.

San Diego, Calif.-based NuVasive Inc. has launched its ALIF ACF (anterior lumbar interbody fusion – anterior column realignment) procedure and devices in the United States.

ALIF ACR is focused on correcting the sagittal plane imbalance that results from advanced degeneration. The product offers surgeons a familiar ALIF technique to increase alignment where eighty percent of sagittal balance exists, between L4 and S1. ALIF ACR is designed to achieve the same correction capabilities as traditional techniques, while providing the benefits associated with less invasive anterior approaches.

“The ability to restore natural lumbar lordosis of 50 to 60 degrees through a two-level ALIF ACR procedure without requiring a posterior osteotomy represents a significant advancement in spinal deformity correction,” said Chris Shaffrey, M.D., professor of neurological surgery and division director of spine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

Typical ALIF implants only offer 8 to 15 degrees of lordosis, which presents a challenge when attempting to restore natural lumbar lordosis. According to NuVasive, the implants developed for the ALIF ACR procedure offer a 20-degree and 30-degree hyperlordotic footprints and may improve sagittal balance restoration capabilities.

“Influenced by the initial success of XLIF ACR, ALIF ACR provides a procedurally integrated solution to restore the natural anterior column while increasing foraminal height in the lower levels of the lumbar spine,” said Pat Miles, president of global products and services. “Our efforts to address sagittal imbalance with unique techniques demonstrate NuVasive’s continued commitment to changing spine surgery with innovation.”

The ALIF technique has a rich clinical history and is an accepted procedure for treating certain pathologies of the lumbar spine. Anterior approaches, like ALIF, obtain access to the disc space from the front of the spine. Traditional correction techniques require muscle stripping, and are often associated with significant morbidity, prolonged operative times, neurological complications, high blood loss, and lengthy recovery times.