Surgeon uses MoRe alloy rod in procedure

A surgeon from The Robotic Spine Institute of Silicon Valley has announced a procedure has taken place using a Molybdenum-Rhenium (MoRe) rod in a patient.

Dr. Kornelis Poelstra used the newly FDA cleared MiRusEuropa Pedicle Screw System, is the smallest pedicle screw system in the world for lumbar fusion, and incorporates MoRe.

This patented superalloy has greater strength and scratch and fatigue resistance compared to titanium, cobalt and iron alloys. MoRe also has a superior biocompatibility profile with better hydrophilicity and osteoconductivity along with decreased ion release and biofilm formation compared to traditional alloys.

The implants are smaller and should allow patients to have smaller incisions and less soft tissue disruption.  

Dr. Poelstra used his co-developed Mazor navigated robotic platform during the posterior fusion procedure, allowing him to pre-plan his implantation of this new device in the patient.

With a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Groningen in The Netherlands, Dr. Poelstra has knowledge of the design and development of spinal robotics that assist in spinal fusions. Formerly based in Destin, Florida, Dr. Poelstra has performed nearly 1,000 complex robotic cases. 

MiRus is a medical device company that has developed and is commercialising proprietary novel biomaterials, implants and software solutions for spine, orthopaedics and cardiovascular disease.