Heraeus Medical Unveils COPAL^® G+V at AAHKS Annual Meeting in Grapevine, Texas

YARDLEY, Pennsylvania, December 09, 2024 – Heraeus Medical USA, a leading provider of innovative medical solutions for orthopedic surgeons, made a significant impact at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) in Grapevine, Texas. The company introduced its latest product, COPAL^® G+V, a high-viscosity, dual antibiotic-loaded bone cement with gentamicin and vancomycin, designed to address the challenges of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) management.

“We are thrilled to launch COPAL^® G+V in the U.S. for the orthopedic community,” said Scott Druhot, VP and Head of Marketing, Clinical and Education at Heraeus Medical USA. “Revisions for PJI are devastating to patients and very costly to healthcare systems. Incidence rate of PJI is 2% and overall economic burden on the healthcare system is estimated to be about 1.8 billion by 2030.¹ This product represents a significant advancement in managing periprosthetic joint infections, which remain a major challenge in joint replacement surgeries”.

COPAL^® G+V is a high-viscosity dual antibiotic-loaded bone cement containing the antibiotics 0.5g of gentamicin and 2g of vancomycin per 40g unit. This combination is effective against most pathogens related to periprosthetic joint infections (PJI), including MRSA/MRSE*. “COPAL^® G+V provides a high local antibiotic elution at the surgery site and a low systemic burden for the patient. We are confident this innovation will support surgeons in achieving improved outcomes for their patients**,” resumed Druhot.

In addition to the product launch, Heraeus Medical demonstrated its commitment to surgeon education and training by hosting two Resident Cadaveric Labs. These hands-on workshops, designed for orthopedic residents, provided valuable training on the role of bone cement in primary joint arthroplasty. Participants practiced modern cementing technique in a controlled environment, gaining experience in the proper use of bone cement to secure implants and reduce complications such as loosening or infection.

“Education and training are essential to the ongoing success of orthopedic surgery,” added Druhot. “By offering residents this unique opportunity to hone their skills, we are investing in the next generation of surgeons.”

The AAHKS Annual Meeting serves as a premier event for orthopedic surgeons to exchange knowledge and stay informed about the latest advancements in the field. Heraeus Medical’s participation in this meeting underscored the company’s dedication to advancing patient care through innovative product development and educational support for surgeons worldwide.

Source:
 ¹ Premkumar, A., Kolin, D. A., Farley, K. X., Wilson, J. M., McLawhorn, A. S., Cross, M. B., & Sculco, P. K. (2021). Projected Economic Burden of Periprosthetic Joint Infection of the Hip and Knee in the United States. The Journal of arthroplasty, 36(5), 1484–1489.e3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2020.12.005

* MRSA: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus / MRSE: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis

** Indications vary by regulatory authority