Medtronic launches PEEK Prevail neck surgery device

Medtronic has announced the European launch of a new cervical interbody device that offers improved outcomes for neck surgery patients.

The PEEK Prevail cage is a polyetheretherketone device that provides stability during spinal fusion procedures for sufferers of disc diseases affecting the cervical spine.

This allows surgeons to forego the need for a metal plate to be used in instances where there is a risk that a diseased disc will lose height, placing pressure on the nerves and leading to neck and arm pains.

Medtronic's device has already been approved in the US and has been shown to provide construct rigidity comparable to traditional fixation techniques, while requiring only two integrated bone screws for attachment.

Dr Eric Put, a neurosurgeon at the Jessa Hospital in Hasselt, Belgium, said: "As this cage is easy to implant, surgery time and traction on the oesophagus is significantly reduced. I believe this is a safe and reliable cervical cage."

This week, Medtronic also announced that it will be donating $750,000 (483,502 pounds) in grants to help aid the development of healthcare infrastructure in Haiti.