IlluminOss Announces First Human Case Utilizing Its
Innovative Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System Technology
East Providence, RI – February 19, 2009 – IlluminOss Medical Inc., a medical
device company developing the innovative IlluminOss™ Photodynamic Bone
Stabilization System for orthopedic surgery, today announced that the first
procedure utilizing the IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System had
been performed on a 21 year old patient with a fracture of the 5th metacarpal.
With traditional methods of treating fractures, often an incision the full
length of the fracture line has to be made; and plates and screws inserted to
stabilize the fracture. There may be extensive soft tissue damage; the patient
has limited or no mobility initially which may lead to temporary or permanent
stiffness; and the patient may experience severe pain.
The IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System requires just a small
4.5mm pathway into the bone to stabilize it. A small diameter balloon catheter
and light fiber are inserted into the intramedullary canal of the bone. A photo
sensitive, liquid monomer is then infused into the balloon. The monomer expands
the balloon to fit the contours of the interior of the bone, aiding in the
reduction of the fracture. Then the light source is activated, converting the
liquid monomer into a hardened polymer within 90 seconds. The tiny skin incision
is then closed.
Unlike other methods of fracture treatment, the IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone
Stabilization System is designed to enable the patient to have immediate joint
mobility post procedure without the need for immobilization. The fracture also
becomes partially weight bearing immediately. Due to the minimally invasive
approach, soft tissue injury is virtually eliminated. Having immediate mobility
minimizes the potential for tendon adhesions and a tenolysis procedure to remove
them.
According to Arnold-Peter C. Weiss, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of IlluminOss
Medical, “The instrumentation is intuitive and easy to use. The case report from
the hospital indicates that the overall procedure went according to plan with no
complications. The patient had mobility immediately. At six weeks the x-rays
showed an advanced consolidation process, with no migration of the device and no
displacement of the fracture. Clinically, the patient had complete mobility and
almost the same strength with a minimal scar. He was working and leading a
normal life.”
Said Bob Rabiner, Founder and CEO of IlluminOss Medical, “This case represents a
major milestone for IlluminOss and patients worldwide. We believe that our
minimally invasive technology will fundamentally improve the treatment of
hundreds of thousands of bone fractures by driving much earlier restoration of
functionality, improving the durability of orthopedic repairs, decreasing pain
and reducing scarring.”
About IlluminOss Medical Inc.
IlluminOss Medical is a privately held, early-stage medical device company
dedicated to the development of minimally invasive orthopedic systems for the
stabilization and treatment of bone fractures. The IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone
Stabilization System utilizes a photodynamic (light-curable) polymer system
intended to eliminate the need for traditional, inconvenient and painful methods
of bone fixation with external pins, plates and screws. The Company is currently
developing the IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System for small bones
such as fractures of the hands, wrists, clavicle and arms. It is anticipated
that the IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System will also have
applications in the spine and long bones.
Founded in 2007, IlluminOss is headquartered in East Providence, RI. For more
information about IlluminOss Medical, please visit
www.illuminoss.com.
Company Contact:
Bob Rabiner
(401) 714-0008 ext. 207
rrabiner @illuminoss.com
Media Contact:
Stephen Sandler
(508) 358-7206 ext. 202
ssandler @vmark.net
