Launch of new high-performance polymer-based trauma device technology for internal fracture fixation

Trauma plates with 50x greater fatigue resistance compared to metal offer new treatment options and significant cost-saving potential for healthcare providers

Tampa (USA) & Thornton Cleveleys (UK), October 13, 2014 – Trauma plates composed of a high performance polymer provide patients at risk of complications with a greater window for healing compared to metallic plates. The new trauma device technology is based on a composite called “PEEK-OPTIMA Ultra Reinforced polymer”. It delivers similar mechanical strength to metallic plates, with 50x greater fatigue resistance. Invibio® Biomaterial Solutions (“Invibio”), a world-leading solutions provider of PEEK polymer-based biomaterials, manufacturing and R&D for medical device manufacturers, will present details and host a panel discussion of its Invibio Trauma Device Technology at the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) meeting in Tampa next week.

Delayed or non-unions cost healthcare providers more than $2 billion in failed operations in the US alone. Non-union rates in the literature have been detailed as high as 18% for distal femur plating. Despite this and the fact that patients risk profiles for non-unions vary enormously there are very limited material options for treating patients.

High risk patients: Enhanced healing potential saves costs

“Patients who are at risk for slow or delayed healing can benefit from implants composed of PEEK-OPTIMA Ultra-Reinforced because the fatigue life is so much greater than metal. They’re more likely to be able to heal their fracture before their implant fails due to fatigue. There’s a whole host of patients that are slow to heal, including smokers and patients with diabetes, poor bone quality or open fractures, who have an enhanced potential to heal,” states David J. Hak, MD, MBA, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Denver Health, University of Colorado. He adds, “I’ve been using the material for about two years in the proximal humerus and I’ve been very pleased with the outcome of those patients.”

Rapid market entry saves device manufactures time and costs

Invibio Trauma Device Technology is a turnkey platform that allows medical device manufacturers to quickly design, validate and manufacture semi-rigid anatomic plates composed of PEEK-OPTIMA Ultra Reinforced polymer. “At Invibio, we’ve spent more than 5 years developing the expertise, design and manufacturing processes and building manufacturing facilities to quickly and cost effectively bring composite device components to market,” John Devine, Emerging Business Director at Invibio explained. “Now, we are able to offer our customers a technology platform from which they can deliver differentiated PEEK-composite trauma implants up to 3 times faster than if they developed programs on their own. Customers can save as much as $1.8 million in start-up and development costs and redeploy their development staff to other business initiatives.”

PEEK-OPTIMA Ultra-Reinforced polymer, a composite of PEEK-OPTIMA Natural polymer reinforced with continuous carbon fibers, provides the strength and fatigue resistance demanded by high-load trauma implant applications. Using PEEK-OPTIMA Ultra-Reinforced polymer, designers can alter stiffness and develop trauma implants that are less rigid than metal implants, increasing dynamic loading and promoting secondary healing at the fracture site. This Invibio Trauma Device Technology gives surgeons a new option for treating patients at high risk of developing complications related to internal trauma fixation, such as non-unions, delayed unions and implant failures.

Surgeons gain insight during reduction and throughout the healing process

The imaging characteristics of PEEK-OPTIMA Ultra Reinforced give surgeons the ability to see the fracture site from all angles under x-ray. During the procedure, this can ease reduction and ensure proper alignment for healing to occur. After the procedure, it offers greater visibility of the fracture healing site so that surgeons can make more informed decisions about when to return patients to load-bearing activities.

Educational Panel Discussion during OTA-Meeting

On Friday, October 17, at 10:30 am, Invibio will be hosting a panel discussion on the topic of PEEK-OPTIMA Ultra-Reinforced in trauma at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina. Dr. David C. Ring, MD, from Massachusetts General Hospital, will lead the discussion about PEEK-OPTIMA Ultra-Reinforced and the potential for Trauma plates composed of this polymer to benefit patients at the highest risk of developing complications such as non-union, delayed union and implant failure. The panel will feature surgeon users as well as material specialists and non-users to present a range of different perspectives on this technology platform and its potential to benefit challenging patient populations. Device manufacturers and physicians are invited to attend the discussion or visit us at the OTA meeting at booth #731 to learn more.

Panel Discussion details
Date: Friday, October 17
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. ET (local time)
Location: Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina

For more information and to register for the discussion visit: http://FitTheChallenge.com

About Invibio Biomaterial Solutions
Invibio®, a Victrex plc company, has grown significantly since pioneering PEEK biomaterial in 1999, evolving from a materials supplier to an industry-leading provider of biomaterial solutions. During that time the company has worked with world class research institutions, to develop and commercialize 6 implantable PEEK grades. Today, Invibio’s PEEK-OPTIMA® polymers are used in more than four million implanted devices worldwide.

About Victrex plc
Victrex, headquartered in the UK, is an innovative world leader in high performance polymer solutions focused on the Aerospace, Automotive, Electronics, Energy and Medical markets. Every day, millions of people rely on products or applications which contain our polymers, from smartphones, aeroplanes and cars to oil & gas operations and medical devices. With over 35 years’ experience, we are investing in technical excellence to deliver leading edge solutions to our customers and our markets, and to drive value for our shareholders. Find out more at www.victrexplc.com

Introducing Invibio Trauma Device Technology

Source: invibio.com/