Medtronic launches 3D-printed titanium spine implant line

Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) said today that it’s launched a 3D-printed line of titanium spinal implants called Tionic.

Fridley, Minn.-based Medtronic said the Tionic implants are designed with enhanced surface textures to increase osteoconductivity and promote bone response; the additive manufacturing process allows for more intricate designs, the company said, citing the honeycomb shape of its Artic-L implant.

The Tionic technology was announced this week at the annual meeting of the American Assn. of Neurological Surgeons in New Orleans.

“Artic-L is an important component of Medtronic’s portfolio of reproducible solutions for minimally invasive procedures,” spine president Doug King said in prepared remarks. “Our 3D printed TiONIC Technology allows devices such as ARTiC-L – and our future interbody implant portfolio – to offer surgical advantages not traditionally possible.”

“Surface advancements, like Tionic technology, have emerged as a paradigm shift in interbody fusion implants,” added Dr. Colin Buchanan of the Colorado Brain and Spine Institute in Aurora. “Implants utilizing newer surface technology can help stimulate a cellular response and give me greater confidence that the patient will have a successful fusion.”

Medtronic said the Artic-L device was developed using technology invented by Dr. Gary Michelson, which it acquired in 2004 for $1 billion after a patent battle.

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