Medtronic introduces CD Horizon Longitude

Medtronic has announced the introduction of the multi-level percutaneous fixation system, CD Horizon Longitude.

The minimally invasive system is designed to reduce muscle damage and scarring for patients undergoing complex back surgery.

The system’s free-hand inserter and reduction screw extenders are designed to allow a stabilising rod to be passed through a small incision over numerous levels of vertebrae in the spine.

“The CD Horizon Longitude System is the only percutaneous fixation system designed to eliminate the traditional practice of muscle stripping and dissection over numerous levels for patients that require complex spinal surgery,” said Mark Dekutoski, associate professor in the department of orthopaedics at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

The CD Horizon Longitude System comes as part of Medtronic’s Minimal Access Spinal Technologies portfolio and complements the CD Horizon Sextant II System which allows surgeons to attach longer rod constructions and better treat patients through small incisions in the thoracic or thoracolumbar region.

Earlier this week, Bloomberg reported that Medtronic Inc devices implanted near the spine reduce chronic pain more than other methods in patients who had undergone spinal surgery, according to a company-sponsored trial.