NuVasive's Pulse integrated spine surgery system was a key growth driver in the first quarter and has been used in more than 500 commercial cases, the company said in its first-quarter earnings call May 4, according to Seeking Alpha.
Six notes:
1. NuVasive said it will continue to invest in the Pulse platform, Pulse robotics and its core spine portfolio. Its goal for Pulse is to have it be used in 100 percent of spine cases. NuVasive said it is developing financial models that will benefit the company and its customers.
2. The company continues to invest in robotics research and development to execute on its Pulse robotics roadmap, but it has "not yet submitted for regulatory approval and thus, we will not complete first in-human this year," CEO Chris Barry said.
3. Though the robotics application has been delayed, the company expects Pulse robotics to be a key application for the platform and will provide updates on upcoming milestones later.
4. NuVasive has also collaborated with Siemens Healthineers to integrate the Pulse platform with the Cios Spin mobile C-arm, "a leading intraoperative 2D and 3D imaging solution," according to the company.
5. Mr. Barry said NuVasive has also invested in data and analytics and preoperative surgical planning strategies to support the development of new applications for the Pulse system.
6. The device is a single unit of capital equipment that incorporates two fixed screens, wireless device connectivity and several software technologies. Pulse's reduced footprint in the operating room provides increased efficiency for surgeons and staff, according to NuVasive.