Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Aug. 31, 2017.
Medtronic makes $40M third tranche investment in Mazor
Medtronic will enter into the next phase of its strategic partnership with Mazor Robotics, making a third investment in the company. Initially announced in 2016, Medtronic decided to move forward with the third tranche investment in Mazor totaling $40 million. Over the past year, Medtronic has made $72 million in total investment in Mazor, representing 11.9 percent of the outstanding shares post-investment.
US Stem Cell Clinic under fire after FDA investigation found 'significant deviations'
The FDA issued a warning letter to the Sunrise, Fla.-based US Stem Cell Clinic for inaccurate marketing of its stem cell products as well as other deviations. After an investigation, the FDA revealed US Stem Clinic processed adipose tissue into stromal fraction. The clinic's providers then injected this into patients' spinal cords, either intravenously or directly. These patients suffered from a variety of diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Parkinson's disease. The FDA, however, has not approved any US Stem Cell Clinic biologic products.
Planet TV features Dr. Zeshan Hyder in new series
Planet TV is rolling out a new television series, New Frontiers, featuring Zeshan Hyder, MD, of Merrillville, Ind.-based Bone and Joint Specialists. The new series will take a deeper look at Dr. Hyder's ideas about seeking to preserve motion in surgical patients.
In addition to exploring his six year of practice, New Frontiers will explain Dr. Hyder's non-surgical treatments for spinal issues, including acupuncture, exercise, chiropractic care, physical therapy, medications and epidural injections.
NuVasive to expand global headquarters
NuVasive plans to expand its San Diego-based headquarters and add an innovation center to the facility. The company currently trains more than 500 surgeons per year at the San Diego campus and plans to increase research and development spending from 5 percent to 7 percent of revenue over the next several years. The renovation will add more than 100,000 square feet to NuVasive's headquarters, boosting the total square footage to 250,000. The new facility will include an innovation center to showcase the company's products and highlight its surgeon education program.
Metro Health Hospital 1st to adopt Mazor X in Mich.
Metro Health Hospital in Wyoming, Mich., is the first hospital in the state to acquire the Mazor X system. In recent years, Metro Health Hospital has been focused on expanding its minimally invasive surgery program. Metro Health was also the first hospital in Michigan to adopt Mazor Robotics' Renaissance guidance system.
92% of employers confident they will continue sponsoring health benefits in 5 years
In a recent Best Practices in Health Care Employer Survey, employers anticipate healthcare costs will jump by 5.5 percent in 2018, an increase from 4.6 percent in 2017. The survey revealed 92 percent of employers are "very confident" they will continue sponsoring health benefits in five years, despite the uncertainty of healthcare.
Dr. Kevin Vaught performs 1st MIS SI joint fusion with Mazor X
Neurosurgeon Kevin Vaught, MD, of Regional Brain and Spine in Cape Girardeau, Mo., became the first neurosurgeon in the U.S. to perform a SI joint fusion using the Mazor X system. Regional Brain and Spine acquired the system in early August, making it the first hospital in Missouri to integrate the Mazor X platform.
InVivo Therapeutics cuts 39% of workforce
InVivo Therapeutics eliminated 13 positions in a quest to focus attention on the Inspire. In conjunction with the restructuring, InVivo eliminated 39 percent of its workforce, which will save around $7.3 million in operating expenses for 2018.
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