Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) officially launched the latest in its line of balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) technologies, the Kyphon Express II, for use in treating vertebral compression fractures.

The next-generation system includes new 700 psi balloons as well as a redesigned cement delivery system with enhanced precision and more efficient design and the product has a longer shelf-life, Medtronic said.

BKP is a procedure in which surgeons delivery medical cement to the spine to stabilize painful vertebral fractures, which may be caused by osteoporosis, cancer or benign lesions.

"Kyphon BKP is a proven therapy that provides numerous benefits to patients suffering from vertebral compression fractures, including long-term maintenance of height restoration," Clinical Radiology of Oklahoma radiology services chief Dr. Doug Beall said on behalf of the company. "With the introduction of the Kyphon Express II platform and improved tools like the next-generation Kyphon Cement Delivery System, physicians can now treat more spine levels by choosing the sizes, length and volume most appropriate for the individual patient’s anatomy and fracture."