March 15, 2017 - Evonik’s Vestakeep® PEEK was selected as the material of choice for use in the Kator TM Suture Anchor System, which has been used in its first surgical cases in rotator cuff repair and Achilles tendon reattachment.

Evonik’s Vestakeep® PEEK adds structural integrity to Kator’s new system and the repair construct’s superior strength allows surgeons to repair rotator cuffs or reattach Achilles tendons using fewer suture anchors.

“Evonik is dedicated to contributing to the advancement of new surgical technologies with our medical device partners. With our strength in innovation, we’ll continue to develop the Vestakeep® portfolio to bring advanced PEEK polymer technologies to the medical device industry,” said Vikram Chatur, Vice President and General Manager for High Performance Polymers.

“Vestakeep® PEEK’s high fatigue resistance has proven critical in the successful development of the Kator TM Suture Anchor System. The Kator TM Suture Anchor System’s anchors receive high stress loads throughout the healing process. In order to handle those loads, we have developed a construct with superior strength using our unique, patented technology along with Evonik’s Vestakeep® PEEK”, said Lane Hale, Executive Vice President of Surgical Frontiers.

With the high performance mechanical and biocompatible properties of Vestakeep® PEEK and Kator’s advanced systems for tissue-to-bone reattachment, surgeons can now repair torn rotator cuffs and reattach Achilles tendons using fewer suture anchors, thereby preserving more bone, and improving blood flow available fo tendon healing.

Kator is a start-up medical device company focused on advanced tissue-to-bone reattachment systems and is a portfolio company of Surgical Frontiers.

Surgical Frontiers funds, launches and operates start-up companies to develop advanced surgical technologies that are ready for clinical use. Focused primarily on musculoskeletal injuries and pathologies, the company collaborates with surgeons, industry, universities, and investors to bring advanced surgical technologies to the market that improve healthcare.