Medtronic Launches SOVEREIGN Spinal System

Medtronic has announced the U.S. launch of the SOVEREIGN Spinal System, an intervertebral body fusion device used to treat patients who suffer from a degenerative condition that affects the lumbar spine, according to a Medtronic news release.

The SOVEREIGN Spinal System is designed to stabilize the spine and promote bony fusion. The system incorporates a lens-shaped device with three holes for the placement of titanium screws, which protrude through the device and stabilize the adjacent vertebral bodies while preventing expulsion of the implant, as well as a cover plate that is designed to resist screw backout and that must be used in combination with the screws, according to the the release. The SOVEREIGN device is make of polyetheretherketone so it is radiolucent on x-rays, which allows the surgeon to view the spinal fusion during a follow-up visit.

The SOVEREIGN Spinal System is indicated for use with autogenous bone graft in patients with degenerative disc disease  at one or two contiguous vertebral levels from L2 to S1. The device can be used as a stand-alone device or in conjunction with supplemental fixation, according to the release.

Read Medtronic's release about the SOVEREIGN Spinal System.