Spinal Elements has completed the first clinical procedures using Luna Ti, a lumbar interbody implant that combines the company’s established Luna design with an integrated titanium surface. The product is intended for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion procedures performed through a posterior surgical approach.
Luna Ti has a low-profile insertion height of seven millimeters, allowing surgeons to deliver a relatively large implant through a minimally invasive opening. After placement, the implant is designed to restore disc height and spinal alignment while covering a broad portion of the vertebral endplate.
Greater endplate coverage can help distribute force across a larger area and reduce the risk of subsidence, which occurs when an implant sinks into the adjacent vertebral bone. The product’s titanium integrated surface is designed to encourage osseointegration, the process through which bone grows against or attaches to the implant.
The underlying implant uses PEEK, a medical-grade polymer that is radiolucent and therefore easier to see through on postoperative imaging than solid metal. Combining PEEK with a titanium surface is intended to preserve imaging visibility while providing a surface that supports the fusion process.
Luna Ti can be used with Spinal Elements’ Orbit discectomy platform, which supports the removal of damaged disc material and preparation of the space before implant placement. Together, the systems are intended to provide an integrated workflow covering disc preparation, implant delivery and fusion.
The launch expands the company’s minimally invasive spine surgery portfolio and gives surgeons an alternative to the Luna XD implant. Spinal Elements is targeting increasing use of posterior lumbar fusion techniques, including procedures performed in ambulatory surgery centers where certain anterior approaches may be less practical.
KEY QUOTES:
“In recent years we have seen continued growth of TLIF procedure volume nationally for lumbar fusions. The TLIF market is growing due to market factors such as an increase in procedures being performed at ambulatory surgical centers, where traditional anterior approaches are typically not performed, as well as surgeon and patient preferences.”
“TLIF procedural technologies are a cornerstone of Spinal Elements’ MIS strategy. We pride ourselves on having a comprehensive TLIF portfolio but are committed to continually improve and expand our offering to meet surgeon and patient needs. Luna Ti complements our Luna XD implant by giving surgeons the option of a PEEK or titanium integrated surface. The Luna implants offer several meaningful clinical benefits and we are excited to give surgeons another option with this technology.”
Ron Lloyd, Chief Executive Officer of Spinal Elements
“I was initially drawn to the Luna platform because of the Orbit discectomy instrumentation, which I believe is among the best available for efficient and thorough disc preparation. After using Luna in clinical practice, I became a strong believer in the system because it integrates seamlessly into my existing TLIF workflow while providing design advantages that are difficult to achieve with many traditional interbody devices.”
“The implant’s ability to facilitate restoration of disc height and alignment has expanded the range of cases in which I consider it, including some patients who may have previously required an ALIF approach. Luna Ti represents a logical next step in the evolution of the platform, combining the proven Luna design with the benefits of a titanium integrated surface to support fusion and osseointegration.”
Dr. Ernest Braxton, Neurosurgeon
“I’ve been using the Luna and Orbit platform for some time and have significantly expanded the clinical applications of this system. Adding a titanium integrated surface to an implant I’m already familiar with made a great deal of sense.”
“It combines the radiographic advantages of PEEK with a titanium surface designed to support the fusion process, making an implant I already trusted even more compelling in my practice.”
Dr. Ryan Johnson
