Mitek Sports Medicine introduces two new arthroscopic surgery radiofrequency devices

Mitek Sports Medicine, part of DePuy Synthes Companies of Johnson & Johnson, is introducing two new arthroscopic surgery radiofrequency devices this week at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) 2015 Annual Meeting. The VAPR^® TRIPOLAR 90 Suction Electrode and the VAPR ARCTIC^® Suction Electrode are hand-held, energy-based devices utilized by orthopaedic surgeons to ablate or coagulate targeted soft tissue. The electrodes were co-developed with surgeons and offer innovative design features aimed at enhancing performance, procedural efficiency and patient safety during shoulder and hip arthroscopy.

The VAPR TRIPOLAR 90 Suction Electrode is used primarily for shoulder arthroscopy and is the first radiofrequency device with a proprietary tip design that independently optimizes ablation and coagulation performance. The device also incorporates the industry's first integrated suction flow control, providing surgeons with a new way to visualize and target tissue for resection or coagulation.

The VAPR ARCTIC Suction Electrode is used during hip arthroscopy and is the first radiofrequency device to combine bipolar energy flow, integrated suction and tip articulation (flexion) in the same device, with the ability to flex up to 110 degrees. These features may eliminate the need for additional saline suction ports or use of multiple electrodes during the same procedure, and provide access to hard-to-reach spaces in the confined hip joint.

"The VAPR ARCTIC Suction Electrode allows me to use a single device instead of multiple ones, which has the potential to save time and cost, and the ability to articulate allows me to quickly and safely prepare my acetabular rim without damaging the labral tissue," said Sean McMillan, DO, orthopaedic surgeon, Lourdes Medical Associates, Cherry Hill, NJ.

Both electrodes also utilize the company's proprietary COOLPULSE^® Technology, which enables faster, more efficient tissue ablation while generating equal or less heat when compared to leading competitors. In a comparison study conducted by Mitek Sports Medicine, the VAPR ARCTIC Suction Electrode ablated 216% more soft tissue per minute than a leading articulating radiofrequency electrode. In a similar comparison, the VAPR TRIPOLAR 90 Suction Electrode ablated 25% more soft tissue per minute than a leading 90-degree radiofrequency electrode, while maintaining a lower in-joint saline temperature. The ability to enhance ablation efficiency while maintaining low in-joint saline temperatures may help minimize charring and the risk of accidental damage to healthy tissue.

"The VAPR ARCTIC and VAPR TRIPOLAR 90 Electrodes for arthroscopy are the latest examples of our continued commitment to meaningful innovation that delivers value to health care providers, patients and hospital customers," said Max Reinhardt, Franchise Unit Leader for Joint Reconstruction, Mitek Sports Medicine and Power Tools. "Our expanding and comprehensive arthroscopy portfolio offers our customers a single source solution for access, visualization, resection and repair."

Indications For Use
The VAPR TRIPOLAR 90 Suction Electrode and VAPR ARCTIC Suction Electrode are compatible with the VAPR VUE Radiofrequency Electrode System. The VAPR TRIPOLAR 90 Suction Electrode is intended for resection, ablation and excision of soft tissue, hemostasis of blood vessels and coagulation of soft tissue in patients requiring arthroscopic surgery. The VAPR ARCTIC Suction Electrode is intended for resection, ablation and excision of soft tissue, hemostasis of blood vessels and coagulation of soft tissue in patients requiring arthroscopic surgery of the hip.