Devices Orthopaedic Neurosurgery

 News Release - April 13, 2010

Stryker Interventional Spine Launches iVAS(TM) Inflatable Vertebral Augmentation System

New device allows physicians to customize their treatment approach for VCFs

KALAMAZOO, Mich., April 13 -- (Healthcare Sales & Marketing Network) -- Stryker's Interventional Spine business unit today announced the release of its iVAS inflatable vertebral augmentation system, a minimally invasive device cleared for use in treating vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).

Vertebral compression fractures are a serious and growing problem for older Americans. An estimated 700,000 VCFs occur each year, equating to a staggering 40 VCFs every 30 minutes. They are the most common type of osteoporotic fragility fracture, often resulting in prolonged and debilitating pain that can lead to a downward spiral in physical and mental health.

With Stryker's introduction of iVAS, physicians now have a single source for VCF solutions. The device is part of an unparalleled portfolio of mixer and delivery systems, bone cements and needles for both vertebral augmentation (also known as balloon kyphoplasty) and vertebroplasty, widely used to treat the intense pain caused by VCFs.

"Every spine is unique and every fracture is different, that's why we've invested in developing the largest, most complete portfolio of products for treating VCFs," explains David Veino, Director of Sales and Marketing for Stryker Interventional Spine. "Stryker offers solutions for both vertebral augmentation and vertebroplasty procedures, giving physicians the flexibility to customize their treatment approach based on the type of compression fracture and patient anatomy."

Veino went on to explain that Stryker's ability to be a single source of VCF solutions "allows physicians to form a cost-efficient partnership with a single vendor, potentially saving them time and money."

During vertebral augmentation, a balloon catheter is used to create a void in the collapsed vertebra, helping to allow for controlled and contained cement delivery. The hardened cement creates an internal cast that stabilizes the fracture, thereby alleviating pain in approximately 90 percent of patients.

It should also be noted that because vertebral augmentation and vertebroplasty relieve VCF-related pain and improve quality of life, the procedures have the potential to decrease overall VCF treatment costs by reducing use of post-treatment medical resources.

iVAS is designed with five key features that help promote enhanced procedure efficiency and outcomes:

• The stiff distal balloon catheter provides rigidity for smooth insertion.
• A flexible proximal catheter allows for easy maneuverability.
• The radiopaque markers on the balloon catheter helps facilitate accurate visualization and placement of the balloon.
• The hand drill cuts cleanly through cancellous bone to create a channel for balloon placement.
• Graduation markings on the access cannula assist in measuring needle depth.

Additionally, Stryker's portfolio of VCF solutions is specifically made to work seamlessly together for ease of use and increased control, helping to streamline procedure workflow.

About Stryker Interventional Spine

Stryker Interventional Spine is a business unit of Stryker Corporation, one of the world's leading medical technology companies. Stryker IVS provides an extensive and innovative product offering for vertebroplasty, balloon assisted vertebral augmentation (iVAS) and radiofrequency ablation procedures, along with a diagnostic tool and decompression treatment advances for contained disc herniations. For more information about Stryker Interventional Spine, please visit http://www.StrykerIVS.com.

Source: Stryker Interventional Spine

Issuer of this News Release is solely responsible for its content.
Please address inquiries directly to the issuing company.