What surgeons ask.
The product
What is lift?
lift, the Ligamentum Flavum Trimmer, is a Kerrison system for lumbar decompression. It cuts and clears tissue by suction in one move, collects every bite in the Tissue Vault, and works through the lit NovaPort channel.
What comes in the system?
The lift Kerrison, the NovaPort access port with built-in LED light, and the Tissue Vault. There is no tower and no capital equipment.
What can it remove?
Bone and ligamentum flavum in one procedure, including laminotomy and foraminotomy, so mixed pathology and the lateral recess can be treated in one case.
Is the tip single use?
Yes. The cutting tip is single use and sterile, so it is sharp every case.
Is it FDA cleared?
Yes. The Kerrison is FDA 510(k) cleared (K200768) for cutting and removing bone and tissue in spine surgery.
The procedure
How long does a case take?
Most cases take under 15 minutes. Individual results may vary.
What imaging does it need?
Choose fluoroscopic guidance, direct visualization through the lit NovaPort, or both. Fluoroscopy is minimal compared with legacy approaches.
What anesthesia is used?
Most cases are done under monitored anesthesia care (MAC). General anesthesia is rarely needed.
How long does it take to learn?
Experienced interventionalists find the technique familiar, and the learning curve is short.
Patients
Which patients are a fit?
Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis confirmed on MRI or CT, whose symptoms worsen with standing or walking and improve with sitting or leaning forward, and who have not found lasting relief from conservative care.
Who is not a candidate?
Patients with spondylolisthesis greater than grade 1, or segmental instability on flexion and extension films.
What is recovery like?
Patients go home the same day. Most return to normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours, with continued improvement over 2 to 6 weeks.
Is there something I can give my patients?
Yes. Send them to the lift patient page. It has a 1-minute symptom check they can bring to their visit.
Billing
How is it billed?
lift fits established Category I reimbursement pathways, with Medicare and commercial payers. See the reimbursement page for codes, how to submit, and Payline, which answers your own payer questions.