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[news 2005-2006]
Novel
device for treating scoliosis licensed to St. Francis
Medical Technologies
July 11, 2005
For immediate release
KINGSTON, ON -- An innovative technology developed by
researchers at Queen's University for treating abnormal
curvature of the spine has been licensed to St. Francis
Medical Technologies Inc. of Alameda, CA by PARTEQ Innovations,
the technology transfer office of Queen's.
The spinal facet cap, invented by Dr. Don Soboleski,
Associate Professor, Queen's Dept. of Diagnostic Radiology,
Dr. Daniel Borschneck, Assistant Professor of Surgery
and Pediatrics, Queen's University, and Mr. Gerald Saunders
of Queen's University's Human Mobility Research Centre,
is intended for use in the surgical treatment of scoliosis,
or abnormal curvature of the spine. Patents are pending
in Canada and the U.S. on both the device and the treatment
method.
The implantable device, which is inserted into one or
more spinal facet joints in the spine, acts as a “shim”
to help correct abnormal curving of the spinal column.
Unlike other corrective devices for scoliosis, which
require permanent modification of vertebrae or facet
joints to be effective, the spinal cap can be inserted
into a facet joint without any changes to bone or joint
structures.
The device will be developed and marketed by St. Francis,
which specializes in innovative minimally invasive technologies
to treat degenerative spinal disorders.
“The elegance of this solution is that it simplifies
the corrective surgical procedure,” says Anne Vivian-Scott,
Director of Commercial Development at PARTEQ Innovations.
“Installation is less invasive, and the correction can
be easily modified if need be. This is especially important
in growing children, who will be the prime candidates
for this device.”
Contact:
Anne Vivian-Scott, Director of Commercial Development
PARTEQ Innovations
613. 533. 2342
avivianscott@parteqinnovations.com
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