Evonik invests in US medical device start-up to provide better postoperative recovery experience for patients undergoing thoracotomy

● CircumFix's innovative orthopaedic device can be used for postoperative sternum closure and fixation

● The device uses Evonik's high-performance polymers with outstanding biocompatibility to replace metal materials

● This investment will enhance Evonik's influence in the US orthopedics market

Evonik has announced an investment in US start-up CircumFix Solutions through its venture capital arm
.
The company has developed a novel chest closure device that improves postoperative recovery for patients undergoing thoracotomy
.
This orthopedic device uses Evonik's high-performance polymer material, which can be used for postoperative sternum closure and fixation, and has been patented
.

Bernhard Mohr, Head of Venture Capital at Evonik, said: “Implantable medical devices are undergoing a transformation: high-performance polymers are replacing metal materials
.
This investment will support this transformation
.
Safe, reliable and conducive to postoperative recovery This new technology can bring endless benefits to patients and physicians
.
”

The chest closure device developed by CircumFix consists of a thin bone plate and fasteners fixed on it.
When the chest is closed, the bone plate and the sternum can be tied together with the fasteners for retention
.
This configuration provides a more balanced force between the sternum and the device, improving stability, preventing slippage, reducing pain, and allowing the surgeon to close the sternum faster and easier
.
The device can also be quickly opened and closed again if a second operation is required
.
As a permanent implant, the device ensures safety and comfort, and protects bone and tissue from damage compared to some metal devices currently on the market
.

The chest closure device uses Evonik's implant-grade polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
.
The material has good biocompatibility (non-toxic and harmless to living tissue), biostable (does not cause irritation and sensitization), and hydrophobicity (repels moisture), which greatly reduces the risk of infection
.
In addition, the PEEK polymer structure is transparent to X-rays and therefore does not interfere with postoperative diagnosis
.

Marc Knebel, head of the medical systems segment at Evonik, said: "This investment will deepen our partnership with the medical device industry and related manufacturers
.
At the same time, we will also have in-depth discussions with orthopaedic clinical specialists, many of whom People don't realize that PEEK is a better choice than titanium and stainless steel for some applications
.
"

With this investment, Evonik will further enhance its existing technical capabilities for implantable high-performance polymers
.
PEEK has been used in the production of spine, craniomaxillofacial and other orthopedic implants
.
In addition, this material also shows considerable application potential in other medical fields
.

The two founders of Circumfix Solution, Inc.
, Louis Houff and Ken Richardson, have a combined combined experience of more than 50 years in sales, marketing, product development and senior management positions of orthopedic devices
.
In 2020, they created the company to meet market demand for improved chest closure device technology and related materials
.
Louis Houff first proposed the concept of bone fixation and healing in 2012 and obtained his first patent in 2017
.

Houff, currently CEO of CircumFix, said: "We are making great strides in improving patient outcomes
.
With Evonik's support, we will further drive our business forward
.
"

Evonik markets its high-performance polyetheretherketone polymers under the brand name VESTAKEEP®
.