Powell Valley Healthcare announces that the first surgical procedure in Wyoming using the TOPS™ System, a state-of-the-art motion preservation spinal device, has been successfully performed at PVHC, following its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The groundbreaking procedure was carried out by Dr. J. Alex Sielatycki, with assistance from Bryan Tipton, PA-C, and Dr. Jimmie Biles.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated the TOPS™ System as a Breakthrough Technology in 2020 and granted PMA approval to the TOPS System in June 2023 with a “superior-to-fusion” claim, underscoring its safety and efficacy. The TOPS System provides patients with spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis unparalleled advantages over lumbar fusion, including enhanced mobility, decreased post-operative neuro deficit, and more rapid and sustained return to normal activity.
“I focus on ways to avoid doing fusion surgeries. We do a lot of cervical disc replacements, with very good results. In the lumbar spine, we have been limited in our options. We can do non-instrumented decompression operations, which we do commonly, and they work pretty well. But when there is more advanced disease and significant joint degeneration, then fusion is often the only answer.” said Dr. Sielatycki. “The lumbar facet joint replacement, the TOPS device, is the first technology that we have that allows us to completely remove diseased facet joints, perform a complete decompression of the nerves, but not have to fuse the spine. We can provide stability that is dynamic and still allows the spine to move. It’s exciting to be able to offer this to folks now. The TOPS device is a flexible, or dynamic stabilizer. It functions like the facet joints by allowing the spine to move but not too much, preventing excessive shifting.” said Dr. Sielatycki.
This first-of-its-kind operation in Wyoming marks a significant milestone in the treatment of complex spine disorders, delivering hope to patients that are suffering from debilitating leg and back pain. Dr. Sielatycki’s foresight and dedication to embracing cutting-edge medical technology, such as the TOPS™ System, underlines his commitment to advancing patient care. Diane Monahan, who lives in Gillette, Wyoming, is Dr. Sielatycki’s patient who is the first in Wyoming to undergo surgery involving the TOPS System at Powell Valley Healthcare. “I’m 67, but I’m very active. I swam 3 days a week, did Zumba, and my husband and I are golfers. I had to quit these things. I told Dr. Sielatycki I want to do this procedure, and I want to get back to my life. I’m very excited.” said Daine Monahan.
The TOPS™ System, the first and only lumbar spine facet joint replacement device, provides a beacon of hope for the over 100 million individuals globally grappling with the debilitating effects of lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis. As the only technology of its kind designed to preserve mobility post-decompression, TOPS™ offers a revolutionary alternative to the 350,000 patients annually who traditionally undergo lumbar spinal fusion.
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