Alphatec Spine Launches New MIS Device, the BridgePoint(TM) Spinous Process Fixation System

CARLSBAD, Calif., Aug. 23, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alphatec Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATEC), the parent company of Alphatec Spine, Inc., a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spine disorders, with a focus on treating conditions related to the aging spine, announced today that it has launched its newest Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) device, which is called the BridgePoint Spinous Process Fixation System.
BridgePoint is a minimally invasive system that is designed to enable spine surgeons to immobilize and stabilize spinal segments without the need for pedicle screw and rod constructs. The BridgePoint System is intended to be an adjunct to fusion of the thoracic and lumbar spine to treat disorders resulting from degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, tumor and trauma.
“We are pleased to launch this important new product for surgeons,” said Les Cross, Alphatec Spine’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We believe BridgePoint offers unique benefits that deliver real value to surgeons and hospitals, helping patients who suffer chronic back pain regain their active lifestyles.”BridgePoint is designed to be implanted through a relatively small posterior incision of approximately 5 cm in length, which should result in less injury to muscle and tissue and less blood loss than occurs with the implantation of traditional pedicle screw and rod systems through a non-MIS approach. MIS procedures are typically shorter in length, saving valuable surgeon and hospital time and patient recovery times are typically faster and have fewer complications.The BridgePoint System’s state-of-the-art design incorporates telescoping plates that allow surgeons to compress or distract the spinous processes before immobilizing the spinal segment. The device’s large contact area provides a strong anchor point to each spinous process, facilitating compression or distraction and optimal stability during the fusion process. BridgePoint can be used as an adjunct to interbody fusion or posterior fusion with decompression treatment. The large bone graft window allows surgeons to pack additional bone graft between the spinous processes.BridgePoint’s first implantation case was conducted in August 2012 at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming by Dr. Steven Beer, a board certified neurological surgeon.
“I recently had a patient with degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis, and BridgePoint offered a way for me to treat her less invasively,” said Dr. Beer. “BridgePoint allows me to fixate the spine more efficiently than competitive systems and the device makes surgery safer and faster. At the same time, it provides an environment rich in characteristics necessary for fusion of the spine. BridgePoint will definitely be a product I offer my patients in the future.”The market for spinous process fixation devices is expected to reach $206 million by 2016, growing at a compound annual growth rate of over 24% from 2008. (Source: iData 2010)