CareFusion Launches Innovative Vertebral Balloon That Gives Surgeons More Options to Treat Spinal Fractures

SAN DIEGO, March 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CareFusion (NYSE: CFN), a leading, global medical technology company, today announced the launch of the 11-gauge vertebral balloon for use in the spinal fracture treatment market.

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This small-sized vertebral balloon now allows interventional radiologists and spine surgeons to repair vertebral compression fractures that have been historically more difficult to treat due to their size and location in the spinal column, including smaller vertebra.

The 11-gauge vertebral balloon is inserted through a cannula that is 17 percent smaller and a balloon shaft that is 25 percent smaller than any other vertebral balloon on the market. This design miniaturization helps make the procedure less invasive for patients without compromising the clinical efficacy of the device since it still meets the pressure and volume requirements of legacy vertebral balloons. For clinicians, the tungsten radiopaque tip enables excellent visibility under imaging, helping to ensure safe deployment of the balloon in the vertebral body.

"The launch of the 11-gauge vertebral balloon demonstrates the company's commitment to innovating new devices in the spine market," said Jim Leitl, senior vice president and general manager of Medical Specialties, Medical Technologies & Services for CareFusion. "With this new product, CareFusion now offers an even more comprehensive system that gives doctors the choice and flexibility to determine and treat spinal compression fractures at the time of patient care."

About the AVAmax Vertebral Augmentation system

In March 2010, CareFusion launched the eight- and 10-gauge vertebral balloon as components to the all-in-one AVAmax® Vertebral Augmentation system. Since the launch of the AVAmax Vertebral Augmentation system, three out of four physicians who have used the CareFusion system have converted to using it on a regular basis in their practice.

In addition to the three different gauge vertebral balloons, the AVAmax Vertebral Balloon is part of an all-in-one system that contains bone cement and delivery instruments for kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, the two primary approaches to treat spinal compression fractures by delivering bone cement into the vertebral space with specialized needles. CareFusion is already a market leader in devices for vertebroplasty procedures.

About CareFusion

CareFusion (NYSE: CFN) is a global corporation serving the health care industry with products and services that help hospitals measurably improve patient care. The company develops market-leading technologies including Alaris® infusion pumps, Pyxis® automated dispensing and patient identification systems, AirLife™, AVEA® and LTV® series of ventilators and respiratory products, ChloraPrep® skin prep products, MedMined™ services for data mining surveillance, V. Mueller® and Snowden-Pencer® surgical instruments and NeuroCare diagnostic products. CareFusion employs more than 15,000 people across its global operations. More information may be found at www.carefusion.com.

SOURCE CareFusion