The first awake spinal fusion with Wenzel Spine's VariLift-LX interbody implant has been completed, the company said in a July 21 news release.
The minimally invasive spine surgery was performed by Ahmer Ghori, MD, of Orthopaedics Northeast in Fort Wayne, Ind.
VariLift-LX is the only FDA-cleared lumbar interbody fusion device that can be implanted without the need for supplemental fixation such as pedicle screw instrumentation, according to Wenzel Spine.
"We will work with surgeons to refine the surgical indications for outpatient spinal fusion with the VariLift-LX," Wenzel Spine CEO Bill Wilson said. "This technology is demonstrating that through careful engineering and thoughtful application, patients are benefiting immensely from the reduced surgical time, potential elimination of general anesthesia, and the ability to achieve same day discharge after a spine fusion in select patients."