Vertebroplasty: Dangerous Learning Curve

With the increasing popularity of vertebroplasty, a minimally invasive procedure for treating vertebral compression fractures, reports of multiple deaths--apparently due to leakage of bone cement from the vertebral body through the veins and into the CV system and lungs--are beginning to surface.

With the increasing popularity of vertebroplasty, a minimally invasive procedure for treating vertebral compression fractures, reports of multiple patient deaths are beginning to surface. While not related to the products from companies developing delivery systems and/or new materials for vertebroplasty, such as Kyphon Inc. , Orthovita Inc. , and American OsteoMedix Corp. (AOM), which in May merged with spinal implant maker Interpore Cross International Inc.[See Deal], the issue is one they must squarely face as they develop clinical data to support their products.

For years, surgeons ignored compression fractures, a particular problem in osteoporotic women, because intervention in those patients was risky, and...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Archive

Final Chance To Have Your Say: Take Our Reader Survey This Week

 
• By 

Editor’s note: This is your final call to participate in the survey to better understand our subscribers’ content and delivery needs. The deadline is 20 September.

Shape Our Content: Take The Reader Survey

 
• By 

Editor’s note: We are conducting a survey to better understand our subscribers’ content and delivery needs. If there are any changes you’d like to see in coverage topics, content format or the method in which you receive and access Medtech Insight, or if you love it how it is, now is the time to have your voice heard.

Patients With Movement Disorders Will Benefit From Medtronic’s Expanded MRI Labeling For DBS

 
• By 

Medtronic announced it received expanded MRI labeling for its DBS systems, which is critical, given that almost 70% of all DBS-eligible patients will likely need an MRI at some point in their care, says Ashwini Sharan, CMO for Medtronic Neuromodulation.

Podcast: Lung Life AI CEO Shares Regulatory And Reimbursement Journey For Lung Cancer Diagnostic

 

In this episode, Medtech Insight reporter Natasha Barrow speaks to LungLife AI CEO Paul Pagano. Lung Life AI is a US-based AIM-listed medical technology company that has developed a liquid biopsy test for the early detection of lung cancer called Lung LB. Pagano runs through the highlights of Lung Life AI journey to date and its future ambition for a strategic partnership. He also provides advice to similar diagnostic companies seeking reimbursement andcompliance with the US FDA Lab Developed Test ruling.

More from Medtech Insight

Ochsner Surgeon In ‘The Big Easy’ Eases Patient’s Pain With Skill And Virtual Reality

 

A surgeon at Ochsner Health in New Orleans was able to successfully remove a rare and dangerous tumor from a patient’s spine using cutting-edge technology that would have otherwise made the procedure too risky.

Execs On The Move: June 30–July 4, 2025

 
• By 

An interactive look at recent executive-level company changes and promotions in the medical device and diagnostics industries.

FDA Commissioner’s Voucher Program Should Include Devices, Transplant Technology Firm Says

 
• By 

The FDA's new Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher program aims to expedite drug approvals significantly. Device firms like XVIVO advocate for a similar initiative for devices, emphasizing the potential for faster reviews and improved patient access to lifesaving technologies.