Medtronic launches new minimally invasive spine fusion procedures

Medtronic has announced the launch of a pair of new minimally invasive spine fusion procedures.

The new offerings are based on its existing Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (OLIF) technique, which minimises cutting to muscles compared to traditional lateral approaches by using an oblique-lateral trajectory to access multiple levels of the lumbar spine.

The Pivox Oblique Lateral Spinal System with Lateral Plate provides an innovative interbody cage and plate for use with the OLIF25 procedure, which preserves psoas muscles when treating the L2-L5 levels of the spine and facilitates access around the iliac crest.

Meanwhile, the Divergence-L Anterior/Oblique Lumbar Fusion System is the first plate/interbody all-in-one system for the OLIF51 procedure, which offers lateral access to the L5-S1 disc space without any need to reposition the patient if multiple levels of surgery are conducted.

These advances underline OLIF's status as one of the least invasive methods for delivering successful fusion in the lumbar spine.

Doug King, senior vice-president and president of Medtronic's spine division, said: "The OLIF procedures represent an evolution in lateral access and we're pleased to see more surgeons undertaking this evolution in their approach."