Here are eight things for spine surgeons to know for Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013.
ISASS responded to proposed CMS changes to physician fee schedule, IDE coverage process.
The International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery President Luis Pimenta, MD, and several other key leaders submitted comments to Marilyn Tavenner, administrator for CMS, weighing in on the agency's proposed changes to the investigational device exemption coverage process and the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2014. ISASS is concerned about several changes to both processes, including a mandate to design an acceptable superiority endpoint in device studies and that such dramatic payments cuts would severely limit patient access to spine care.
Findings released on high-dose BMP for spine surgery.
A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery examined the impact of high-dose rhBMP-2. The study authors examined 502 consecutive adult patients who received a high dosage, on average 115 mg, of rhBMP-2, for complex spinal procedures. The researchers found an interoperative complication rate of 8.2 percent and a major medical perioperative complication rate of 11.6 percent, among other findings.
California Institute for Regenerative Medicine granted Cedars-Sinai Research Team $5.18M for Spine Project.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine granted a Cedars-Sinai research team, led by principal investigator Dan Gazit, PhD, DMD, a $5.18 million grant for the study and advancement of stem cell technologies in segmental bone defects. Hyun Bae, MD, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and co-director Cedar Sinai's spine fellowship program, will serve as the study's co-principal investigator.
AMA launched SGR repeal campaign.
The American Medical Association launched a grassroots campaign to urge Congress to reform the Medicare physician payment systems. The campaign includes a new interactive website, FixMedicareNow.org, which allows physicians and patients to request lawmakers eliminate the sustainable growth rate and move toward a new system.
Southern Spine's C-Fuse Intervertebral Fusion System received FDA 510(k) approval.
The FDA granted Macon, Ga.-based Southern Spine 510(k) clearance for its C-Fuse cervical intervertebral body fusion system. In April, the device maker launched its CE Mark and FDA-approved StabiLink MIS Spinal Fixation System.
Medtronic Center of Excellence opened in Singapore.
Medtronic opened a new Center of Excellence in Singapore to test, design and sell business models for emerging Asian markets. The Global Center of Excellence model is designed to address market-specific challenges and increase Singapore-based business.
Mazor Robotics named Christopher Prentice senior vice president of marketing.
Israel-based Mazor Robotics named Christopher Prentice as senior vice president of American and global marketing. Mr. Prentice will oversee the company's marketing strategy while reporting to CEO Ori Hadomi.
Scoliosis Research Society honored two spine surgeons.
The Scoliosis Research Society honored two physicians with the 2013 Whitecloud Award: Justin Smith, MD, for best clinical paper and Takashi Kaito, MD, PhD, for best basic science paper.
More Articles on Spine:
Minimally Invasive SpineCARE Adds Orthopedic Medical Services Division
Brain and Spine Center Launches InvisionHealth Foundation
5 Questions to Ask Before Transitioning Spine Cases to an ASC
The International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery President Luis Pimenta, MD, and several other key leaders submitted comments to Marilyn Tavenner, administrator for CMS, weighing in on the agency's proposed changes to the investigational device exemption coverage process and the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2014. ISASS is concerned about several changes to both processes, including a mandate to design an acceptable superiority endpoint in device studies and that such dramatic payments cuts would severely limit patient access to spine care.
Findings released on high-dose BMP for spine surgery.
A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery examined the impact of high-dose rhBMP-2. The study authors examined 502 consecutive adult patients who received a high dosage, on average 115 mg, of rhBMP-2, for complex spinal procedures. The researchers found an interoperative complication rate of 8.2 percent and a major medical perioperative complication rate of 11.6 percent, among other findings.
California Institute for Regenerative Medicine granted Cedars-Sinai Research Team $5.18M for Spine Project.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine granted a Cedars-Sinai research team, led by principal investigator Dan Gazit, PhD, DMD, a $5.18 million grant for the study and advancement of stem cell technologies in segmental bone defects. Hyun Bae, MD, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and co-director Cedar Sinai's spine fellowship program, will serve as the study's co-principal investigator.
AMA launched SGR repeal campaign.
The American Medical Association launched a grassroots campaign to urge Congress to reform the Medicare physician payment systems. The campaign includes a new interactive website, FixMedicareNow.org, which allows physicians and patients to request lawmakers eliminate the sustainable growth rate and move toward a new system.
Southern Spine's C-Fuse Intervertebral Fusion System received FDA 510(k) approval.
The FDA granted Macon, Ga.-based Southern Spine 510(k) clearance for its C-Fuse cervical intervertebral body fusion system. In April, the device maker launched its CE Mark and FDA-approved StabiLink MIS Spinal Fixation System.
Medtronic Center of Excellence opened in Singapore.
Medtronic opened a new Center of Excellence in Singapore to test, design and sell business models for emerging Asian markets. The Global Center of Excellence model is designed to address market-specific challenges and increase Singapore-based business.
Mazor Robotics named Christopher Prentice senior vice president of marketing.
Israel-based Mazor Robotics named Christopher Prentice as senior vice president of American and global marketing. Mr. Prentice will oversee the company's marketing strategy while reporting to CEO Ori Hadomi.
Scoliosis Research Society honored two spine surgeons.
The Scoliosis Research Society honored two physicians with the 2013 Whitecloud Award: Justin Smith, MD, for best clinical paper and Takashi Kaito, MD, PhD, for best basic science paper.
More Articles on Spine:
Minimally Invasive SpineCARE Adds Orthopedic Medical Services Division
Brain and Spine Center Launches InvisionHealth Foundation
5 Questions to Ask Before Transitioning Spine Cases to an ASC