Medtronic launches spinal reconstruction system in U.S.

Medtronic's Vertex Select spinal system

Device giant Medtronic Inc. is selling a new spinal-reconstruction system in the United States.

The company’s Vertex Select Reconstruction System contains spinal implants and a set of instruments for performing surgical procedures, according to a statement from Medtronic. The system is intended for use with patients suffering from a variety of ailments, including degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, fracture, dislocation, failed previous fusions and tumors.

The launch is important for Medtronic to rebound from what CEO Bill Hawkins called a ’softening’ in the company’s of spinal products. Medtronic says it holds 40 percent of the market share, but the company’s revenues dropped 2 percent last quarter to $630 million. Hawkins told investors and analysts in January that a better mix, including the launch of Vertex Select, would help maintain and grow revenues in the space. However, Vertex may not be able to help as much as straightening out the company’s integration of Kyphon, which is acquired for $4.2 billion.

Last year, Medtronic launched for U.S. sales an Occipitocervical Module of its Vertex system. It’s designed for surgeries that require the base of the skull, the occiput, to be fused to the neck, the cervical-upper thoracic spine.

Medtronic’s spinal business is based in Memphis, Tennessee.