09.24.13
Memphis, Tenn.-based Solana Surgical LLC has launched the Fuseforce super-elastic fixation system, a new implant for fusing the small joints in the foot and ankle and hand and wrist. The technology gained 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July.
The Fuseforce system consists of a sterile kit containing super-elastic nitinol staples and all of the instruments required for implantation.
“Hospitals and surgery centers are beginning to request pre-sterilized implants and instruments as a way to reduce their own sterile processing and liability costs,” said Alan Taylor, president and CEO of Solana.
Nitinol is known for its shape memory properties, and conventionally needs heat to activate. Solana’s staples, however, reportedly don’t rely on heat but rather solely on its elastic properties.
“The super-elastic properties of the Fuseforce implant allow the implant legs to act as springs, rather than relying on heat for activation,” said Solana’s Rebecca Wahl, vice president of research and development. “This built-in spring effect creates the compression and fixation needed for many procedures in the foot and hand.”
The kit includes an inserter designed to allow the implant to be loaded without handling by the surgeon.
Fusion is often the preferred procedure to relieve pain and correct skeletal alignment issues in patients with arthritis, as well as small joint fractures and bunions. The Fuseforce system is available in various sizes for specific surgical needs.
Solana makes technology for the extremities market.
The Fuseforce system consists of a sterile kit containing super-elastic nitinol staples and all of the instruments required for implantation.
“Hospitals and surgery centers are beginning to request pre-sterilized implants and instruments as a way to reduce their own sterile processing and liability costs,” said Alan Taylor, president and CEO of Solana.
Nitinol is known for its shape memory properties, and conventionally needs heat to activate. Solana’s staples, however, reportedly don’t rely on heat but rather solely on its elastic properties.
“The super-elastic properties of the Fuseforce implant allow the implant legs to act as springs, rather than relying on heat for activation,” said Solana’s Rebecca Wahl, vice president of research and development. “This built-in spring effect creates the compression and fixation needed for many procedures in the foot and hand.”
The kit includes an inserter designed to allow the implant to be loaded without handling by the surgeon.
Fusion is often the preferred procedure to relieve pain and correct skeletal alignment issues in patients with arthritis, as well as small joint fractures and bunions. The Fuseforce system is available in various sizes for specific surgical needs.
Solana makes technology for the extremities market.