Here are nine minimally invasive spine surgery devices and technologies making a splash in the industry.
K2M launches Everest Minimally Invasive XTower instrumentation system
K2M launched the Everest Minimally Invasive XTower instrumentation globally, an enhancement to the Everest MI XT Spinal System. The XTower improves the platform by providing a new surgical solution for treating complex deformities to achieve 3-D spinal balance. XTower instrumentation includes an entire tab-to-screw assembly providing rigid reinforcement of the Everest MI XT screw tabs.
Augmedics to put $8.3M Series A Funding toward ViZOR MIS spine platform
Augmedics secured $8.3 million in Series A Funding for its augmented-reality surgical visualization system, ViZOR System. The company will put the funding toward research and development initiatives as well as ViZOR System clinical trials. Augmedics will also use the funds to create distribution partnerships and obtain FDA clearance for the ViZOR System.
Viseon Spine earns $5M in Series A financing
Viseon Spine received $5 million in the round, led by HBM-MedFocus, Invus Opportunities Fund and Wexford Capital LP affiliates. Viseon Spine plans to put the funding toward product development, global regulatory approvals, clinical evaluations as well as manufacturing scale-up and commercialization. The company develops minimally invasive spine surgery access devices that are single use and disposable.
BCBS Michigan 1st private payer to cover Paradigm Spine's coflex
A Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Medical Policy represents the first commercial payer to issue a positive coverage policy for a new lumbar spinal stenosis treatment. The policy, "Interspinous/Interlaminar Stabilization/Distraction Devices (Spacers)," covers Paradigm Spine's coflex Interlaminar Stabilization.
SI-Bone's iFuse receives coverage from Utah's Public Employees Health Plan
Utah's Public Employees Health Plan issued a positive coverage policy for SI joint fusions using SI-Bone's iFuse Implant System. The policy specifies coverage for minimally invasive SI joint fusions using iFuse with prior authorization for current procedure terminology code 27279.
DePuy Synthes launches 2 MIS devices
DePuy Synthes launched two minimally invasive devices to help surgeons performing spinal fusion surgery: Viper Prime System and Concorde Clear MIS Disectomy Tool. The Viper Prime System combines various instruments, from needles to guidewires, into a single tool, requiring only two instrument trays. The Concorde Clear MIS Disectomy Tool is a single-use instrument that uses standard operating room suction to remove degenerative discs in under four minutes.
1st patient enrolled in Relievant Medsystems' INTRACEPT study
Researchers enrolled the first patient in the INTRACEPT study, testing Relievant Medsystems' Intracept Procedure. The trial is comparing the Intracept Procedure, a minimally invasive treatment for chronic low back pain, to conservative care.
1st procedures performed with EOI's FLXfit15
Surgeons performed the first procedures leveraging Expanding Orthopedics' FLXfit15. EOI reports its FLXfit15 is the first articulated and expandable cage with lordosis correction of 15 degrees.
Southern Spine highlights review published on StabiLink MIS Interlaminar Spinal Fixation System
A new publication, "Clinical and Biomechanical Advantages of Interspinous Process Fixation: A Review," provides insight on Southern Spine's StabiLink MIS Interlaminar Spinal Fixation System. Southern Spine reports its system reduces intraoperative complications, provides quicker recovery times and lowers adjacent segment disease.