Here are seven things for spinal surgeons to know for Feb. 21, 2013.
1. Minimally invasive spine market may top $2B.
The U.S. market for minimally invasive spine technologies is expected to grow to $2 billion by 2017, according to the Millennium Research Group. Much of the growth is expected from minimally invasive spine fusion, but the smaller facet fixation segment will also increase in revenue, according to the report.
2. Dr. Richard Kube performed Illinois' first coflex implant.
Richard Kube II, MD, performed the first procedure using the coflex Interlaminar Implant in Illinois, as well as the first two level coflex implant, both at the Southern Illinois Surgery Center in Marion.
3. Republicans work to repeal IPAB.
Republican senators have reintroduced a bill to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board — a structure the lawmakers say will result in healthcare rationing, according to a report from The Hill.
4. Medtronic's BMP sales continue to decline.
Medical device company Medtronic reported 4 percent drop in spine revenue for the third quarter of the 2013 fiscal year, driven primarily by declines in BMP and BKP. BMP revenue declined 21 percent on a constant currency basis and the company reported it is now focused on differentiating its spine business with enabling technologies such as imaging, navigation and power surgical instruments.
5. Researchers linked gene with spine tumors.
A team of researchers may have identified a gene responsible for causing spinal meningioma, the most common form of spinal tumors. The team used genetic sequencing to identify the gene SMARCE1 and see that changes in the gene led to tumor growth in some families.
6. Mazor Robotics systems have placed 1,000 spine implants.
Mazor Robotics surgical guidance system Renaissance has placed 1,019 implants percutaneously, accounting for 25 percent of all cases involving Renaissance systems. The Renaissance system is used in 40 spine centers across the world.
7. Bioactive film could improve PEEK device bonding.
Researchers have discovered a bioactive film that improves the bonding quality of PEEK spine and surgical devices. The research team used a bioactive coating comprised of yttria-stabilized zirconia and hydroxyapatite, which protect the PEEK material from melting. The coating process creates a more stable device with stronger bonding to surrounding bone.
More Articles on Spine:
Central Peninsula Hospital Spine Program Successful, to Expand in 2013
Spine Surgeons Use Mazor Robotics to Place Over 1,000 Implants Percutaneously
Effective Tactics for Politically Active Spine Surgeons: Q&A With Dr. Karl Swann of Neurosurgical Associates of San Antonio
The U.S. market for minimally invasive spine technologies is expected to grow to $2 billion by 2017, according to the Millennium Research Group. Much of the growth is expected from minimally invasive spine fusion, but the smaller facet fixation segment will also increase in revenue, according to the report.
2. Dr. Richard Kube performed Illinois' first coflex implant.
Richard Kube II, MD, performed the first procedure using the coflex Interlaminar Implant in Illinois, as well as the first two level coflex implant, both at the Southern Illinois Surgery Center in Marion.
3. Republicans work to repeal IPAB.
Republican senators have reintroduced a bill to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board — a structure the lawmakers say will result in healthcare rationing, according to a report from The Hill.
4. Medtronic's BMP sales continue to decline.
Medical device company Medtronic reported 4 percent drop in spine revenue for the third quarter of the 2013 fiscal year, driven primarily by declines in BMP and BKP. BMP revenue declined 21 percent on a constant currency basis and the company reported it is now focused on differentiating its spine business with enabling technologies such as imaging, navigation and power surgical instruments.
5. Researchers linked gene with spine tumors.
A team of researchers may have identified a gene responsible for causing spinal meningioma, the most common form of spinal tumors. The team used genetic sequencing to identify the gene SMARCE1 and see that changes in the gene led to tumor growth in some families.
6. Mazor Robotics systems have placed 1,000 spine implants.
Mazor Robotics surgical guidance system Renaissance has placed 1,019 implants percutaneously, accounting for 25 percent of all cases involving Renaissance systems. The Renaissance system is used in 40 spine centers across the world.
7. Bioactive film could improve PEEK device bonding.
Researchers have discovered a bioactive film that improves the bonding quality of PEEK spine and surgical devices. The research team used a bioactive coating comprised of yttria-stabilized zirconia and hydroxyapatite, which protect the PEEK material from melting. The coating process creates a more stable device with stronger bonding to surrounding bone.
More Articles on Spine:
Central Peninsula Hospital Spine Program Successful, to Expand in 2013
Spine Surgeons Use Mazor Robotics to Place Over 1,000 Implants Percutaneously
Effective Tactics for Politically Active Spine Surgeons: Q&A With Dr. Karl Swann of Neurosurgical Associates of San Antonio