The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has greenlighted Able Medical’s Valkyrie RIB system, granting 510(k) clearance for the single-use device. 

The device is an extension of Able’s Valkyrie thoracic fixation system, used to stabilise and fix fractures in the chest such as in sternal reconstructive surgical procedures, planned osteotomies and trauma fractures to the chest wall. 

The device is made from a material called polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a semicrystalline thermoplastic with mechanical and chemical resistance properties. It is designed to hold bones together securely whilst still allowing some flexibility. The screws used in the system are designed to be inserted into the bone quickly and securely. 

In the announcement accompanying the approval, senior director of Able’s regulatory affairs and quality assurance (RAQA) Wade DePas said: “The Valkyrie RIB Thoracic Fixation System creates an adaptive fit to the bone, promoting closer contact with the underlying rib without the need for plate bending tools.” 

According to a GlobalData market model, the surgical sutures market will be worth $520.12m by 2030 in the US, increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5% from $414.72m in 2021. 

The Michigan-headquartered company develops, manufactures, and sells instruments and implants for orthopaedic, dental, and cardiothoracic original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) partners.  

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Able, a subsidiary of J.M. Longyear, introduced its stainless-steel Valkyrie Looped Sternotomy Sutures in January last year, used in conjunction with the thoracic fixation system. The sutures are designed for closing a patient’s chest after open-heart surgery, stabilising, and fixing chest wall fractures. 

In December 2022, device manufacturer Stryker launched its Citrefix suture anchor system for foot and ankle surgical procedures, featuring Citregen biomaterial. 

Zimmer Biomet acquired Vance Street Capital’s portfolio company, A&E Medical, for a total of $250m in 2020, a company which manufactures sternal closure devices. Under the terms of the deal, Zimmer acquired A&E’s sternal closure device portfolio including sternal sutures, cable systems, rigid fixation, and temporary pacing wire and surgical punch products.