Sam Brusco, Associate Editor05.09.22
Accelus began alpha launch and announced first procedures using its TiHawk7 expandable interbody cage. It’s the latest addition to Accelus’ FlareHawk spinal fusion cage portfolio and features an ultra-low profile with titanium at the bony interface.
“TiHawk7 encompasses all of the implant advantages needed to make MIS spine procedures successful: an ultra-low insertion profile with multidirectional interbody expansion combined with the benefits of an innovative titanium and PEEK bonding process,” Chris Walsh, CEO and co-founder of Accelus told the press. “Our titanium is deposited in a thin, uniform layer at the bony interface in a manner that does not inhibit the favorable properties of PEEK. This allows for easy radiographic visualization for implant placement and fusion assessment while providing for a modulus more similar to bone.”
The first TiHawk7 procedure was a two-level, percutaneous minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).
“I’ve performed several cases with the TiHawk7 to date and am very impressed with the endplate conformity of the interbody device, as well as the large amount of bone graft I am able to get in and around it,” said Dr. Micah Smith, an orthopedic surgery specialist with Ortho NorthEast in Fort Wayne, Ind., who performed the first procedure. “I’m able to observe all of this radiographically through the TiHawk shell, which isn’t possible with other titanium expandable implants.”
TiHawk7’s open architecture allows for maximum graft delivery in and through the cage. Its insertion profile is about the size of a No. 2 pencil. The implant’s instrumentation allows comprehensive disc prep and visualization for endoscopically assisted TLIF surgeries. This means surgeons can access disc space through Kambin’s triangle, minimizing the need for neural retraction and helping preserve normal anatomy.
“TiHawk7 encompasses all of the implant advantages needed to make MIS spine procedures successful: an ultra-low insertion profile with multidirectional interbody expansion combined with the benefits of an innovative titanium and PEEK bonding process,” Chris Walsh, CEO and co-founder of Accelus told the press. “Our titanium is deposited in a thin, uniform layer at the bony interface in a manner that does not inhibit the favorable properties of PEEK. This allows for easy radiographic visualization for implant placement and fusion assessment while providing for a modulus more similar to bone.”
The first TiHawk7 procedure was a two-level, percutaneous minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).
“I’ve performed several cases with the TiHawk7 to date and am very impressed with the endplate conformity of the interbody device, as well as the large amount of bone graft I am able to get in and around it,” said Dr. Micah Smith, an orthopedic surgery specialist with Ortho NorthEast in Fort Wayne, Ind., who performed the first procedure. “I’m able to observe all of this radiographically through the TiHawk shell, which isn’t possible with other titanium expandable implants.”
TiHawk7’s open architecture allows for maximum graft delivery in and through the cage. Its insertion profile is about the size of a No. 2 pencil. The implant’s instrumentation allows comprehensive disc prep and visualization for endoscopically assisted TLIF surgeries. This means surgeons can access disc space through Kambin’s triangle, minimizing the need for neural retraction and helping preserve normal anatomy.