InterFuse L™ uses VTI’s patented modular insertion technique to provide a large lateral footprint through a significantly smaller lateral access channel. The InterFuse L™ alpha launch is scheduled for mid-November.
The VTI InterFuse L device is an interbody fusion device that combines the large vertebral endplate contact area characteristic of many ALIF devices with the ability for implantation through a less invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion approach. The unique design of the InterFuse L device incorporates an anatomical shape that assures contact with the peripheral margins and the well-vascularized central portion of the vertebral endplate, areas shown to be critical to proper loading and for reduction of subsidence risk. The interlocking design provides the necessary structural support and endplate contact area while the open caudal and cephalad spaces accommodate new bone growth and fusion.
The VTI InterFuse L device is made of radiolucent PEEK-OPTIMA® to provide structural strength with nearly the same stiffness of cortical bone while maintaining the ability to assess fusion progress radiographically. The VTI InterFuse L device incorporates tantalum markers to aid in visualizing the device during intraoperative and postoperative radiographic assessment. The unique rail-and-slot design assures proper placement and alignment of each module. The rail extensions are made of stainless steel.
The VTI InterFuse L device is available in multiple heights (8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm) with parallel endplates. The assembled device has an anterior-posterior (A-P) length of 21mm and medial-lateral (M-L) widths of 40mm, 50mm, and 55mm. A complete size listing is presented at the end of this document. The VTI InterFuse L device is intended for use with supplemental spinal fixation systems, and provides structural anterior column support even in the absence of fusion when used as intended.
The Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF) procedure is a minimally disruptive surgical technique in which the surgeon approaches the spine from the side of the patient’s body, rather than the front or back as in traditional spine surgeries. This side (lateral transpsoas) approach can reduce the risk of injury to muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
The XLIF and DLIF are types Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion, or LLIF, which is a category of fusion in which the disc in the front of the spine is removed and replaced with an implant containing a bone graft to set up the condition for the two vertebrae to fuse together through the disc space.
XLIF uses a minimally invasive, transpsoas approach to the spine. The surgeon uses his or her finger to perform blunt dissection through a posterior paraspinal incision to escort dilators and a guide wire into position directly over the psoas muscle. Using his or her finger the surgeon is able to create a retroperitoneal space and protect the viscera and prevent possible injury.
With the DLIF technique, some surgeons have chosen to perform this procedure through a single miniopen lateral approach without the use of the posterior incision to create the retroperitoneal space. With the single incision, the layers of the abdominal wall are directly visualized, and the retroperitoneal space is created under direct vision with passage of instruments through the psoas. In addition, the use of electrophysiological monitoring, including triggered and freerunning electromyography (EMG), reduces the likelihood of injury to the lumbosacral plexus when accessing the disc space through the psoas muscle. Dilators, which contain insulated tips allow for EMG monitoring as they are introduced via the transpsoas approach to the disc space. If a dilator passes in proximity to the lumbosacral plexus, the surgeon is warned both visibly on a graphic display and also via auditory feedback. The surgeon can then adjust his or her trajectory to reduce the likelihood of neural injury.
About VTI
VTI is changing the way spine surgeons perform spinal fusion surgery. With patented lateral expansion technology, surgeons are able to customize each device to fit the unique shape of each patient’s vertebrae. It doesn’t just change spinal fusion surgery. It changes everything. Founded in 2005, VTI’s products utilize its unique modular-assembly technology to deliver solutions optimized for both surgeons and their patients. VTI has sold over 7,000 InterFuse modular interbody fusion devices worldwide to-date. http://www.vti-spine.com/