The first Minimally Invasive Flex Tower was implanted in a patient in a lumbar spine surgery performed by Dalip Pelinkovic, MD, in Iowa, according to a Feb. 4 news release.
Designed by CTL Amedica, Flex Tower features an accordion hinge that allows it to maneuver into crowded surgical sites while maintaining construct integrity. The flexibility allows surgeons to navigate minimally invasive lumbar procedures more freely, according to the company.
"I utilized the Flex Tower at the lower lumbar levels because it provided greater flexibility," Dr. Pelinkovic said. "It accommodates the trajectory of pedicle screws in challenging anatomy without interference. It's compatible with the easy-to-load screw bodies, has better functionality with MIS retractors and gives surgeons the option to attach tabs preop or in situ."
Flex Tower is the first of several CTL Amedica products set to launch in 2021.