Medtronic METRx II Minimally Invasive Access System – Advanced Spinal Surgery Solution for Microdiscectomy & Decompression

Medtronic METRx II Minimally Invasive Access System — Product Description

Experience next-generation spinal surgery with the Medtronic METRx II Minimally Invasive Access System, a premium solution engineered for precision, safety, and fast recovery. Designed for a range of posterior spinal procedures, this system enables surgeons to access the spine through smaller incisions using sequential muscle dilation technology — reducing tissue trauma while improving outcomes.

Key Features & Benefits

Muscle-splitting, not cutting — METRx II’s sequential dilators gently split paraspinous muscles rather than severing them, preserving muscular structure and minimizing post-operative pain.

Tubular retractors of multiple diameters — The system includes a selection of retractor tubes and dilators, enabling customization to patient anatomy and surgical needs. 

Enhanced visualization — Compatible with microscopic or endoscopic techniques, METRx II allows surgeons to operate through a stabilized working channel with optimal lighting and magnification.

Smaller incisions, faster recovery — Compared to traditional open spine surgery, METRx significantly reduces incision size (often ~1 inch vs. up to 4 inches), decreases hospital stay, and accelerates return to normal activity.

Lower complication rates and less postoperative discomfort — Reduced blood loss, fewer muscle and soft tissue injuries, minimized scarring, and less postoperative pain lead to better patient satisfaction.

Indications & Applications

The METRx II system is ideal for a wide range of lumbar and posterior spinal procedures, including:

Lumbar disc herniation removal (microdiscectomy). 

Laminotomy / medial facetectomy to relieve pressure on nerve roots.

Foraminotomy — enlarging the spinal foramen to reduce nerve compression. 

Treatment of spinal stenosis and select degenerative conditions where minimal access surgery is appropriate. 

Safety & Outcomes

Comparable efficacy to open surgery — Clinical studies show that decompression and herniated disc removal via METRx achieve similar nerve-relief outcomes to traditional open procedures. 

Reduced hospital stay & faster rehabilitation — Many patients can undergo outpatient surgery or have significantly shorter hospital stays.

Risks & safety considerations — As with all spinal surgery, there is a risk of transition to open procedure, neurological irritation or damage, soft-tissue injury, and instrument malfunction. These risks are generally lower with minimally invasive systems but should be fully discussed with the surgical team. 

Why Choose METRx II

Trusted brand: Medtronic’s Minimal Access Spinal Technologies (MAST) has a long history in advancing spine surgery.

Design engineered for surgeon efficiency, patient comfort, and quicker recovery.

High patient satisfaction due to smaller scars, less pain, and faster return to daily activities.