Hamden-based Connecticut Orthopaedic Specialists' surgeon James Yue, MD, enrolled the initial patients in Simplify Medical's clinical trial to evaluate the Simplify Disc.
Here are four things to know:
1. The Simplify Disc is a titanium-coated, PEEK on ceramic, anatomically-designed, biocompatible artificial cervical disc.
2. Designed to preserve motion, the two-level IDE trial is being conducted at 18 clinical sites in the U.S. The trial will compare the Simplify Disc with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion as a historical control.
3. Dr. Yue is leading the trial site as a study investigator. When asked about the cervical disc, he said, "Successful treatment allowing for motion preservation and continued diagnostic imaging potentially without exposure to radiation following implantation is extremely important to our patients. The Simplify Disc is an investigational, novel option for cervical arthroplasty, and we look forward to working with Simplify Medical to evaluate this technology."
4. Connecticut Orthopaedic Specialists comprises 56 physicians, 22 locations, four walk-in centers, two MRI centers and a surgical center.