World's first 100% disposable spinal implant fixation system launched: 6 things to know

ECA Medical Instruments developed, in partnership with Intelligent Implant Systems, the world's first complete spinal implant instrument fixation kit that is 100 percent disposable.

Here are six things to know:

1. The I2S Revolution system is a sterile-packed kit, which features a wide-array of fixation instruments, including the industry's first single-procedure cannulated torque limiters, ratchets and fixed drivers.

2. The system will aid orthopedic surgeons in performing both open and minimally invasive surgeries. It is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in adult patients as an adjunct to spinal fusion.

3. ECA Medical Instruments estimates hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers with an average number of surgical cases can save over $1,200 per procedure using the disposable instrument set with the I2S Revolution kit.

"The focus in healthcare is on gaining the best possible outpatient outcomes at the best price point or value," said James Schultz, ECA's executive vice president. "Our single-procedure instruments and kits allow original equipment manufacturers like I2S to offer cost savings, OR efficiency gains and increased patient safety to hospitals and ASCs as every torque-limiter used to secure an implant is sterile and 100 percent calibrated."

4. Commercial launch of the new I2S Revolution system is under 510(k) review with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and not currently available for sale. However, it will be showcased at North American Spine Society conference in San Francisco, Nov. 12 to 15.

5. The 2013 spinal fusion market was valued at $4.7 billion across 10 major regions covered, including the United States, France, Germany, India and China, according to a report released earlier this year by Research and Markets. The market is expected to reach $6.9 billion by 2020, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.58 percent.

While the United States will continue to occupy the majority of the spinal fusion market through 2020, the country's global market share will decline from 71 percent last year to 63 percent in 2020.

6. However, U.S. device companies are continuing to develop and commercialize fusion devices. Last month, Medtronic launched five new products that could set the foundation, including the DIVERGENCE Anterior Cervical Fusion System.

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