More effective access. Less time and trauma. Better treatment: The Erriva Extraforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion. Founded in 1990, coLigne AG Zurich, headquarter Zurich, Switzerland, develops and manufactures novel and practical spinal technologies including biomaterials. coLigne supplies leading edge imlpant technology to spinal surgeons worldwide

Zurich, Switzerland, May 20th 2008 -- Coligne AG, a leading innovator in the design and manufacture of spinal implants, presents clinical follow up results of its unique Erriva ELIF treatment of the lumbar spine at this year’s Spineweek, Eurospine in Geneva, May 24th - May 31st 2008. The Erriva ELIF product line made of the proprietary biomaterial Ostapek, a high density long fiber carbon composite, is designed for lateral decompression, pedicle fixation and Ostapek interbody fusions. Erriva ELIF lumbar spine technology enables surgeons to reach the posterior elements, the interbody space and perform a complete spinal surgery that preserves more structures, minimizes blood loss and reduces muscle trauma

Lumbar Interbody Fusion is the classical treatment for disc disease or lumbar instability and could be performed by posterior (PLIF), anterior (ALIF) or transforaminal (TLIF) approach.
“For many years, the spine surgery community has been asking us to provide technology that equips them to be more complete in their treatment, while preserving vital anatomic structures and minimizing needed instrumentation, explains Robert Lange, CEO, Coligne AG.

“The Erriva achieves this by combining a novel surgical approach, Ostapek composite cages and pedicle fixation technology with unique instruments designed for this new procedure.

Based on the unilateral, extraforaminal technique first articulated by Dr. Recoules-Arche, Hopital Jaques Monod, Le Havre, France, the Erriva ELIF technique and instrumentation with its specially designed cages and pedicle fixation was developed.
A minimally invasive procedure: the Erriva ELIF technique

“Where required, Coligne Erriva ELIF technology allows the surgeon to employ a unilateral approach and work in healthy tissue, leaving most structures in place”, says co-developer Dr. Didier Recoules-Arche.

“Erriva ELIF treatment technology is a reliable surgical option in treatment of post-discectomy disc disease, which respects structures such as muscles, ligaments and bones, while diminishing the potential for neural and vascular trauma”, said Dr. Recoules. “It has been demonstrated to be effective at all operated lumbar levels including L5-S1.”
Encouraging clinical results

In 73 of 75 cases fusion was achieved with no destabilization. Minimal blood loss (< 50 cc), facile anchorage of pedicle screws, respect of the anatomical structures, no vascular or neural complications and shortened surgery time (mean 105min) characterize the Erriva ELIF technique.

The Erriva ELIF is a maximally effective and minimally invasive alternative to more traditional lumbar fusion operations achieving results which meet or exceed standard anterior and posterior fusions.
“Although the Erriva ELIF is considered minimally invasive, it provides a clear view of the surgical field with access to the interspace as well as the pedicles for screw placement. Additionally there are far less instruments needed than with previous techniques", sums up Dr. Cervellini Patrizio, Department of Neuroscience, Ospedale di Vicenza, Italy.
Visit us at the Spineweek

During the Spineweek, Eurospine 2008 in Geneva, Dr. Recoules will present the scientific poster on the Erriva ELIF approach with fusion assessment by CT scan on 75 cases.

about coLigne
Founded in 1990, coLigne AG Zurich, headquarter Zurich, Switzerland, develops and manufactures novel and practical spinal technologies including biomaterials. coLigne supplies leading edge imlpant technology to spinal surgeons worldwide. The company developed and manufactures ostaPek biomaterial, a long carbon fiber reinforced polymer: Now a key component providing new performance to spinal treatment implants, surgical systems and proceedues.
coLigne treatment technology products are manufactured in accordance with ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 13485:2003 and CFR 21 embracing the coLigne quality policy for spinal technology.

about the coAlliance
New technology requires new methods, technique and strategy. To ensure that these are properly taught and explored, coLigne founded the coAlliance, a community of like minded medical professionals devoted to the improvement of spinal treatment technology. coAlliance activities include “The Spine Surgeon’s Workshop”, which is held annually at the Medical University of Tours, France.  Here experience is varied, multinational and based on the tenet, that all members have something to teach and learn. coAlliance workshops are based on participation, the exchange of competence and not hierarchy. Additional coAlliance activities include the “Designer Sessions”, “Spine Strategy Host And Guest Tours” as well as “Encrypted Video Case Discussions” between sites in Europe and the USA.

about coLigne products
All coLigne treatment technology is for use only by a qualified and trained spinal surgeon. coLigne product availability in a specific country is subject to regional health care regulation. Not all products are available in specific countries. Some products are not yet cleared by the US-FDA. Contact your coLigne representative for availability details. Consult product inserts for product warnings and details.
ostaPek®, evos™, gemitra™, trabis™, erriva™, coLigne®, the coLigne Symbol® and a strategy in spine® are trademarks of coLigne AG.
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Contact:
coLigne AG
Felix Kraeft
Tel.: 0041 43 343 8002
Fax: 0041 43 343 8009
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Utoquai 43
CH – 8008 Zurich
Switzerland

Dr. Dietmar Schaffarczyk
coLigne AG
Utoqai 43
CH – 8008 Zurich
Switzerland
Tel.: 0041 43 343 8000
Fax: 0041 43 343 8009 
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http://www.coligne.com/