K2M announces the launch of TERRA NOVA and SERENGETI

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.

“TERRA NOVA is the best system on the market for a Minimally Invasive Transforaminal-Lumbar (TLIF) procedure,” stated Dr. Sana Bhatti, Neurosurgeon at Colorado Springs Neurological Associates. “The instrumentation provides the ability for dynamic disc space distraction and easy rod application after the interbody is placed.”

According to Mr. Colin Natali, Orthopedic Surgeon at the Royal London Hospital, “SERENGETI is the best implant I’ve ever had the pleasure of using. I completed my first case in just over 30 minutes with great success.”

“The launch of TERRA NOVA and the SERENGETI Disposable Kit marks another important milestone in K2M’s mission to provide surgeons with simplified and more efficient approaches to address spinal surgery through very small incisions,” stated Eric Major, K2M’s President and CEO. “These next generation products expand the K2M minimally invasive product offering and help to position K2M as a leader for developing breakthrough solutions to address the most complex spinal pathologies.”