Ellipse's leg-lengthening device approved in Europe
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Ellipse Technologies has CE marked its Precice limb-lengthening device for sale in Europe. It is designed to treat shortened legs, for example due to congenital abnormalities, major fractures, or other diseases such as cancer. It comprises intramedullary rods that are implanted into a patient's leg and then adjusted via an external remote control to lengthen the leg. Conventional treatment involves adjustable external fixation systems that are attached to the leg bone via long-term openings in the skin. Irvine, California-based Ellipse believes that its product is less invasive than traditional methods, and could reduce the potential for complications such as infection. The firm plans to complete a study of Precice by mid-2011 and will launch it in countries recognising the CE mark in the second half of 2011.