Alafair Biosciences, Inc., a medical device company redefining soft-tissue protection in orthopaedic surgery, announced the first clinical use of its VersaCoat™ Flowable Hydrogel (VersaCoat™ Tendon Protector, VersaCoat™ Nerve Protector) by two leading surgeons in lower and upper extremity procedures.
VersaCoat Flowable Hydrogel, developed from Alafair's proprietary VersaCore™ Hydrogel Technology, uses the same collagen-free hyaluronic acid and alginate formulation as VersaWrap® Hydrogel Sheet (VersaWrap® Tendon Protector, VersaWrap® Nerve Protector). Hyaluronic acid is essential during the early stages of soft tissue healing, supporting hydration and reducing inflammation. VersaCore's alginate bioresorbs to progressively expose bioavailable hyaluronic acid throughout the healing process. Both polymers fully bioresorb without leaving residual material, allowing tissue to return to its pre-injury state.
VersaCoat Flowable Hydrogel is designed to provide a conformable, bioresorbable, and tissue-adherent matrix to allow gliding and to limit postoperative soft tissue tethering. The novel syringe delivery allows precise placement onto delicate and hard-to-reach anatomy, expanding the benefits of the company's clinically proven VersaCore Hydrogel Technology into anatomically complex surgical sites.
"VersaCoat was extremely easy to prepare and apply. The syringe application allowed me to place the gel exactly where I needed, which was a clear advantage in protecting the peroneal tendon and surrounding structures completely," remarked Kent Ellington, MD, FAAOS, OrthoCarolina, Charlotte, NC, following VersaCoat application in an ankle arthroscopy and ligament reconstruction.
"VersaCoat handled exactly the way I hoped it would. I was able to apply the gel beneath the retinaculum which is challenging using a traditional sheet. VersaCoat is a big step forward for protecting complex anatomy," stated Cameron Atkinson, MD, AOA Orthopedic Specialists, Arlington, TX, who performed the first surgery with VersaCoat in a wrist arthroscopy and extensor tendon debridement. "As the first surgeon to use VersaWrap, I'm proud to be part of advancing this technology as we continue working to preserve motion for our patients."
