CARTIVA™ SCI
Cartiva SCI is a proprietary polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogel device that
mimics natural cartilage. The durable, viscoelastic surface replacement
provides flexible cushioning intended to maintain natural joint mechanics
by repairing focal cartilage defects while minimizing the resection of
healthy tissue.
Due to the similar properties of PVA cryogels to native cartilage, joint
resurfacing with Cartiva SCI does not require replacement of the opposing
articular surface. The device articulates against natural cartilage with no
apparent damage. Consequently, joint resurfacing with this device is simple,
does not require significant removal of healthy tissue or its replacement
with a durable bearing surface, and thus typically results in nominal
surgical trauma and rapid recovery.1
The device is implanted in a procedure similar to that used for osteochondral
autograft or allograft transplantation. That is, the implant is placed in a
pre-drilled hole to resurface the damaged area of cartilage.
To date, Cartiva SCI has been used primarily to treat patients with osteoarthritis
of the knee, the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and the carpometacarpal
joint. Several thousand patients have been treated since 2002.
*Cartiva SCI is approved for use in international markets, but is not currently approved for sale or distribution in the United States.
1 Maiotti M, et al. The Use of Poli-Hydrogel Cylindrical Implants to Treat Deep Chondral
Defects of the Knee. Presented at: Arthroscopy Assoc.of N Amer, Vancouver, BC; 2005.
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Among numerous potential applications, Cartiva SCI may be used to resurface the MTP joint.
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