Ranfac Corp., maker of the patent-pending Marrow Cellution Bone Marrow Stem Cell Harvesting System, has added the ability to percutaneously harvest a bone dowel using the systems introducer cannula. Available in the MC-RAN-8 model, users now can harvest a bone dowel and aspirate marrow using the same device for use in a variety of orthopedic procedures such as non-union, osteonecrosis, oral and maxillofacial, and spine, according to the company. Percutaneous access to inner organs or other tissue is done via needle-puncture of the skin, rather than by using an "open" approach where inner organs or tissue are exposed (typically with the use of a scalpel).
A bone dowel is a circular bone graft harvested with special instruments—most often used in orthopedic surgery as a structural bone graft to obtain fusion between two adjacent vertebrae.
The Marrow Cellution System allows the user to harvest bone marrow in small amounts in a measured and controlled manner over a large geography inside the marrow space., company officials noted. Independent research has demonstrated that smaller aspirations over a greater sampling area increases cell yield by reducing peripheral blood contamination.
Avon, Mass.-based Ranfac has been developing and manufacturing medical devices for more than 100 years, specializing in single-use disposable medical devices for a wide range of specialties.