Neurosurgeon Vijay Yanamadala, MD, has performed the second procedure worldwide that uses a titanium, 3D-printed device meant to fuse spinal vertebrae and ease chronic pain, News12 reported.
The limited-release device, Aprevo, is made by medtech company Carlsmed, which uses data analytics to personalize the implants for each patient, according to an Aug. 2 Hartford HealthCare news release.
"By designing an implant to specifically fit a patient’s own bone, we can reduce the rates of fusion failure, the rates of graft subsidence, other problems that would necessitate future surgeries," said Dr. Yanamadala, system director of spine quality and surgical optimization for Hartford HealthCare’s Ayer Neuroscience Institute and director of spinal deformity at the Spine Wellness Center in Westport, Mass.
After removing a disc, a surgeon places the titanium implant in its place, which will allow the bones above and below the device to grow and fuse together, according to News12.
Dr. Yanamadala said his patient reported "complete resolution of the pain in his right leg for the first time in years" after the Aprevo procedure, according to Hartford HealthCare.