SpineGuard received a European patent for its Dynamic Surgical Guidance technology integration into a pedicle screw — a "smart screw."
"There is a well-documented safety issue associated with pedicle screw placement and a striking unmet need for differentiation among the numerous pedicle screw systems in an ultra-competitive arena," said CEO and Co-Founder Pierre Jerome. "This new block in our IP portfolio brings us incremental value and confidence as we complete development and prepare the roll-out of our dynamically guided screw products."
Here are five things to know about the "smart screw":
1. SpineGuard's proprietary technology platform is already used in the PediGuard product for surgeons to more accurately place pedicle screws.
2. The sensor is embedded in the tip of the screw with the electronic component located in the screw driver handle.
3. The "smart screw" includes sensory technology migrated into the screw to deliver further clinical workflow, economic and patient outcome benefits.
4. Pedicle screw accuracy remains an issue for many spinal procedures, including deformity surgeries. Recent papers show the average misplaced screw rate is around 20 percent, with 2 percent to 11 percent of patients presenting neurologic complications.
5. The United States and China have already granted patents for this technology. SpineGuard now has a strong and broad IP position for the "smart screw" technology.
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