Spine surgeons are constantly looking for better products and instruments that help improve their patients’ outcomes. This includes cutting-edge tools built on ideas and knowledge of experienced spine surgeons, with the highest-quality metals and innovative approaches like 3D printing.
To better understand trends and new products in the spinal surgery space, Becker’s Hospital Review recently spoke to Stephen Courtney, MD, a long-time spinal surgeon, inventor, and founder and CEO of Eminent Spine. Dr. Courtney shared his perspective on trends in the market and described Eminent Spine’s unique approach to innovation in this space.
(Answers have been slightly edited or paraphrased for clarity.)
Question: Can you share a bit about your personal background and your current role?
Stephen Courtney, MD: I’ve been an orthopedic spine surgeon in Plano, Texas for 28 years, and I’ve been involved with biomechanics for over 40 years. Currently, I continue to see patients in my private practice in Plano, while wearing multiple hats as the CEO at Eminent Spine, which I founded in 2008.
At Eminent Spine, I oversee engineering and product design, development of new products and FDA submissions. I’m also involved with our sales and marketing activities, which involves attending more than a dozen shows nationally each year. In addition, I regularly bring together spine surgeons from across the country with expertise in different areas for focused brainstorming on where new products and solutions are needed.
Q: What trends are driving innovation of new medical devices? And, can you share some examples of new tools helping spine providers?
SC: I see several trends, which include a focus on different types and textures of metals and on 3D printed devices. Metals are so important in devices. An example of working with metals is that, by altering the surface on a titanium screw, it is possible to dramatically increase the fusion rate for osteoblasts to accelerate the osseointegration process.
Metals are also important for critical instruments. As an example, Eminent Spine uses 455 metal that is heat treated and is very hard. It can be more expensive, but it is higher quality and is worth it.
Another trend is the growing use of 3D printing. Eminent Spine uses software that enables 3D printing of lattices that are designed for implants and that match the lattice of the cancellous bone in the human body.
Q: How is Eminent Spine driving innovation in this space?
SC: One way that Eminent Spine drives innovation is by bringing together spine surgeons with expertise in particular areas and hosting a “think tank” — where we listen and discuss their needs and ideas. For example, Eminent Spine is hosting a think tank for surgeons who are experts in scoliosis. This convening provides these surgeons the opportunity to share their ideas for the types of products they need to improve outcomes for patients with scoliosis. Eminent Spine listens carefully and then figures out how to bring the best ideas to market. Currently, Eminent Spine is working to manufacture and launch a new scoliosis system.
This is a proven model for bringing together surgeons, engaging them in a collaborative discussion about solutions they need, listening to them and turning their ideas into products. This gives surgeons a voice and has helped propel Eminent Spine’s growth.
Q: Looking ahead, what’s on the horizon for Eminent Spine? What is most exciting to you right now?
SC: Eminent Spine is continuing to innovate by broadening its product portfolio and bringing to market new products that spine surgeons need. This goes beyond Eminent Spine’s current cervical, lumbar, pedicle open and pedicle MIS products and includes 3D-printed titanium cervical and ALIF cages, as well as titanium joint screws. The company will also be launching the scoliosis system that was mentioned.
Also, as a company, Eminent Spine is continuing to expand in the U.S. and internationally.
Q: What else is important to know about Eminent Spine?
SC: There are a few characteristics that distinguish Eminent Spine. These include a deep understanding of and focus on biomechanics; everything at Eminent Spine is based on the best biomechanics. Second, Eminent Spine is consumed by the idea of “keeping it simple.” It can be hard to keep something simple, but simplicity and ease of use are Eminent Spine’s hallmarks. Also, Eminent Spine has developed great expertise at rapidly securing FDA approval for new devices, with several new devices gaining approval in just 40 or 60 days.