Here are seven things for spinal surgeons to know for July 9, 2015.
Medtronic pays 8 physicians $1M+
Medical device companies based in Minnesota, including Medtronic, paid millions to physicians last year. Medtronic PLC paid more than $1 million to eight physicians across the country; and Medtronic PLC and St. Jude Medical paid physicians $81 million all together.
Amedica responds to FDA questions on spinal device
Amedica submitted the Valeo C Interbody with CsC Osteo-Conductive Scaffolding in the first quarter of 2015. The FDA sent questions to Amedica requesting additional information about the clinical performance data and indications for use as well as the device description. The company sent in responses on June 30.
MUSC neurosurgery is trying to prolong medical careers in an interesting way
The neurological department of the Medical University of South Carolina implemented a voluntary pilot program to promote wellness among its staff. Almost all of the 21 residents and faculty members will receive baseline tests including resting heart rate, blood pressure, body composition analysis, body weight, dry lean mass, body fat index and basal metabolic rate among others this summer.
Study examines cervical spinal cord injury treatment delays
The researchers examined 2,636 patients for the study. There were 803 patients with complete spinal cord injury, 950 with incomplete spinal cord injury and 883 with central spinal cord injury. Less than half — 44 percent — of the patients with SCI underwent surgery within the first 24 hours after surgery, including half of the patients with incomplete SCI.
Rhode Island Hospital opens Comprehensive Spine Center
The spine center is 9,000 square feet, and hospital officials feel there will be enough demand to accommodate a center focused on spine care. The center's director is Alexios Carayannopoulos, MD, a former Navy physician who now specializes in spine care. There are eight examination rooms and an ambulatory procedure room at the center.
SeaSpine completes spin off, has $47M cash
SeaSpine common stock distribution began on July 1, 2015. Each Integra common stock holder received a distribution of one share of SeaSpine common stock for every three shares of Integra common stock held at 5pm on June 19, 2015.
Aetna inks $37B deal to acquire Humana
The combined company will have more than 33 million medical members, based on memberships as of March 31. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2016. Aetna will make Louisville, Ky., the headquarters for its Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE businesses after the deal closes.