CareFusion launches vertebral balloon for spine fracture treatment

CareFusion has announced the launch of a new small-sized vertebral balloon for use in the treatment of spinal fractures.

The device is designed for use with the company's AVAmax Vertebral Augmentation system and is an 11-gauge balloon that is inserted via a scaled-down cannula.

It features a shaft that is 25 percent smaller than any other vertebral balloon, allowing it to be used to treat difficult-to-address vertebral compression fractures, as well as making the procedure less invasive for patients.

In addition, it features a tungsten radiopaque tip that offers high levels of visibility under imaging, ensuring it can be safely deployed.

Jim Leitl, senior vice-president and general manager of medical specialties, medical technologies and services for CareFusion, said: "The launch of the 11-gauge vertebral balloon demonstrates the company's commitment to innovating new devices in the spine market."

This week the company also announced that it is selling its OnSite Services instrument management and repair business to Frazier Healthcare.