Medtronic launches VariLock plate system in China

Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) said today it is launching its VariLoc locking compression plate system designed for treating bone fractures in China and a select number of other countries.

The VariLoc system is designed with variable angle locking technology to allow surgeons to adapt screw angulations to specific patient anatomy, capture fracture fragments, fine-tune screw trajectory post-plate placement and position screws to avoid unnecessary penetration of nearby joints, the Fridley, Minn.-based company said.

“Ever since the launch of MonoLoc locking compression plate system almost a decade ago, we have been focusing on the development of the next generation of locking technology. The variable angle locking technology we launched today can be used to treat a wide range of bone fractures from simple to complex. We are pleased to provide therapy solutions that may help tens of thousands of patients in need of better fracture treatment within China and in the global emerging markets. Medtronic Kanghui will continue to invest heavily in R&D to advance patient care,” Medtronic Kanghui Orthopedics prez Alex Moussa said in a press release.

Medtronic said it is launching the system on a country-by-country basis this year, starting with China, Chile, Kenya, Pakistan, Lithuania, Greece, Poland, Turkey, Thailand, and Vietnam. The company plans to launch the system in additional markets over the coming months, and has not yet received FDA approval for the system.

“Medtronic Kanghui’s VariLoc locking clavicle plate enables surgeons to insert a screw at the best angle for the most optimal purchase in smaller bone fragments, which minimizes the risk of joint penetration. Low-profile plates are designed specifically for the clavicles, and more plates of diverse shapes and sizes are available for our choice, to satisfy patients with different anatomy. I believe Medtronic Kanghui will continue to develop an increasing number of innovative therapies to enable us as physicians to better relieve patients’ pain and allow for earlier patient recovery,” Dr. Jian Lu of Soochow University’s First Affiliated Hospital said in prepared remarks.

Last week, Medtronic said it won FDA 510(k) clearance for its CD Horizon fenestrated cement-augmented spinal pedicle screw set, designed to be used with Medtronic’s HV-R polymethylmethacrylate fenestrated screw cement.

The company touted the win as the 1st FDA approval for cement-augmented pedicle screws.

The newly FDA cleared screw set is indicated for use at spinal levels where structural integrity of the spine is not severely compromised, Fridley, Minn.-based Medtronic said, for patients who are diagnosed with advanced stage tumors involving the thoracic and lumbar spine.

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