K2M, Inc., the spinal device company developing innovative and simplified solutions for the treatment of complex spinal pathologies and procedures, today announced the launch of the TERRA NOVA® Minimally Invasive Access System and the SERENGETI® Disposable Kit at the North American Spine Society (NASS) 2009 Annual Conference. TERRA NOVA is a minimally invasive spine-based access system used in conjunction with K2M’s revolutionary SERENGETI percutaneous retractor.
TERRA NOVA has the potential to minimize tissue disruption by utilizing a small incision and muscle splitting technique. The innovative, low-profile Retractor Distractor Blade locks down to the screws and provides the ability to hold distraction beneath the skin level throughout surgery. The spine-based blade creates a stable point of fixation, as well as direct visualization and access to the disc space.
SERENGETI features a flexible polymer retractor which is captured under the cannulated screw head and placed with the screw for secure, screw-based retraction. The retractor provides simplified access to the hard to reach L5 - S1 levels, as well as rod introduction for multi-level complex posterior instrumentation procedures. The new SERENGETI Disposable Kit includes the retractors, pedicle access needles, guidewires, and the Perfect Scalpel™, which can be threaded over the guidewire to create small incisions just large enough to fit the retractor.