Medtronic India has launched a novel bone graft called 'Infuse' in the country and it will be available at leading hospitals to treat a spinal condition called degenerative disc disease. The novel graft contains a recombinant human Bone Morphogenetic Protein (rhBMP-2). Infuse Bone Graft provides an alternative to patients by eliminating the pain and complications associated with harvesting bone from their hip.

With Infuse Bone Graft, spine surgeons across the country will now be able to perform spinal fusions to treat painful degenerative disc diseases. Degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis affects the lower spine. It leads to disorders like lumbar spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis and Retrospondylolisthesis.

The innovative technique involves genetically engineered bone growth stimulating protein which is US FDA approved. It helps patients completely do away with painful conventional bone graft surgical procedures. Infuse Bone Graft broadens the scope of treatment options because it has been found successful to treat acute, non union fracture and open fracture of tibial shaft, according to Medtronic India officials.

Until now, spinal fusion procedures involved two surgeries. One was to harvest pieces of bone chipped off from the patient's hip (auto graft) through a painful surgical procedure. The second was to implant and fuse the same into the spine. "In fact, the first surgery is more excruciating than the second fusion surgery," explains Dr Arjun Srivatsa, consultant Neuro and Spine Surgeon, Columbia Asia Hospital and Bhagwan Mahveer Jain Hospital who has been using Infuse Bone Graft.

The cost of this surgery using infuse bone graft varies between Rs 2 lakh to Rs 6 lakh. The major advantages include elimination of pain and blood loss. Further, it is viewed as far more economical in terms of the time spent at the hospital to treat the complications resulting at the second site of surgery. In the case of patients with Infuse Bone Graft they return for follow-ups mostly for radiographic evaluations only, stated Dr Srivatsa.

Infuse bone graft contains a genetically engineered version of a protein that occurs naturally. The protein has isolated in the laboratory, purified and then reproduced using recombinant DNA technology. It is packaged with an absorbable collagen sponge and sterile water for reconstitution at the site of implantation. It is labelled for use with the Lt- CAG which is a thimble like device made of titanium that keens the Infuse bone graft at the fusion site. It maintains the proper height between the vertebrae and stabilizes the spine while it is fusing.

The Infuse Bone Graft is stored in temperature controlled unit at New Delhi and is airlifted to locations to carry out the procedure. The product which is pre-cleared from government of India is airlifted from the Medtronic Inc. USA within 72 hours for immediate storage.

Current incidence of spinal surgeries in India is estimated at 60,000 annually. In Bangalore, there are 40 spine surgeons performing 30 surgeries a day.