Aesculap Features Implants with Advanced Coating Technology at AAOS

Center Valley, Pa.-based Aesculap Implant Systems LLC is gearing up to feature several new technologies at the 80th annual conference of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). The Vega System knee, Enduro AS (alternative surface) and Columbus AS knee revision systems, Metha short hip stem and the IQ instrumentation platform all will be displayed during AAOS in Chicago, Ill.

Aesculap manufactures knee and hip orthopedic devices and instrumentation. The Vega System posterior stabilized knee replacement technology uses a post-cam design to mimic natural knee kinematics. The system reportedly optimizes pivotal motion while reducing surface stress.

The “alternative surface” featured in the Enduro and Columbus knee revision systems is made up of a more advanced version of PVD (physical vapor deposition) monolayer on titanium—or titanium niobium nitride coating. The new version has seven layers instead of only one, and is intended to improve resistance to wear and protect against the ever-worrying risk for the release of metal ions into the bloodstream. According to studies conducted by Aesculap, the level of allergenic ions such as cobalt, chrome, molybdenum and nickel are “below every biologic reaction limit,” as demonstrated in in vitro tests.

The Metha short hip stem (pictured left) is a short, cementless hip prosthesis designed to preserve muscle and bone structures. Like the knee revision systems, this device depends on a coating technology for its primary feature. The Metha uses a proximal rough Plasmapore titanium micro-porous coating that allows for cementless implantation. The coating has an additional 20 micrometer thick calcium phosphate layer—the type of calcium found in cow’s milk—that is applied electrochemically. The material has an osteoconductive effect, accelerating contact between the bone and the prosthesis stem.

Aesculap’s IQ, or Intelligent Quality, instrumentation is part of a suite of services designed to provide hospitals with more efficient tool options in the operating theater. The platform includes dual-purpose instruments and surgical trays that are down-sizeable and reportedly streamlined for optimized workflow in the operating room, according to the company.

The Orthopilot navigation system also will make an appearance during AAOS. The system was developed by Aesculap to perform optimal implant alignment without having to perform preoperational examinations or take radiation-intensive and expensive scans such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

The company also will display the Plasmafit Pro acetabular cup system, which currently is pending 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The device has a porous titanium coating, which is desirable in orthopedic implants because it allows bone tissue to grow inside the structure, therefore maintaining a long and stable connection between the device and human bone. Because titanium encourages quick osseointegration—the fusion of the implant and the bone without the intermediary of soft tissue—it should allow for shorter recovery time and less pain.

The company also will feature a polyethylene coating sample, Vitelene, an insert that is stabilized by vitamin E designed to minimize wear and oxidization. The insert is currently marketed throughout Europe.

“The AAOS annual meeting is one of the largest and most influential global orthopedic meetings, and it is a perfect venue for Aesculap to introduce new products and technology to the orthopedic surgeon community,” said company CEO Chuck DiNardo. “At the same time, it allows us to enhance our understanding of the current state of the orthopedic industry.”

Aesculap also just announced a marketing and product development partnership with Materials Management Microsystems Inc, which provides products and services for sterile processing. In line with Aesculap’s IQ Solutions services, the partnership is aimed at providing hospitals with more comprehensive solutions for their Central Sterile departments.

Aesculap is a B. Braun company.

Editor’s note: For participants interested in visiting Aesculap at AAOS, the company will be at booth 1024.

Photo courtesy of Aesculap Implant Systems LLC.