CircumFix Solutions Introduces Varitrax™ Sternal Circumfixator: A New Approach to Rigid Sternal Closure
A new polymer-based system for sternal fixation, the Varitrax™ Sternal Circumfixator by CircumFix Solutions, has gained FDA clearance, offering surgeons a promising alternative to traditional wire-based closure methods used after sternotomy procedures.
Designed to provide enhanced stability and load distribution, the Varitrax system is composed entirely of VESTAKEEP® PEEK (polyether ether ketone) – a high-performance, biocompatible polymer recognized for its strength, durability, and radiolucency. The unibody construction of the implant allows for a conforming anatomical fit and 3D stabilization of the sternum, while integrated PEEK compression bands distribute forces evenly along the anterior surface. This design aims to reduce complications associated with sternal fractures and improve recovery outcomes following cardiothoracic surgery.
With approximately 700,000 median sternotomies performed annually in the U.S., innovations like the Varitrax Circumfixator may represent a significant advancement in surgical materials and fixation techniques. The device’s radiolucent properties also aid in postoperative imaging, while its simplicity of application and removal may enhance procedural efficiency.
CircumFix Solutions provides Varitrax as a sterile kit, supporting reproducibility and ease of use in surgical environments. The company emphasizes proper adherence to Instructions for Use (IFU) and maintains updated product manuals for healthcare professionals online.
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Materials Insight: PEEK in Advanced Medical Applications
Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has become a cornerstone of high-performance medical materials, valued for its combination of mechanical resilience, thermal stability, and biocompatibility. Unlike metals, PEEK offers radiolucency, allowing for clearer imaging without artifact interference. In orthopedic and spinal implants, PEEK provides bone-like stiffness, reducing stress shielding while maintaining long-term durability. Its chemical resistance and sterilization compatibility make it ideal for surgical environments.
The use of VESTAKEEP® PEEK, supplied by Evonik, further demonstrates the growing role of specialty polymers in replacing metals across medical and industrial applications—delivering performance without compromising patient safety.
© 2025 CircumFix Solutions, Inc.
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