Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Jan. 15, 2015.
Congress may quickly move to repeal medical device excise tax
The 2.3 percent excise tax is used to help pay for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and President Barack Obama already said he would veto any legislation attempting to dismantle his landmark overhaul of the healthcare system. However, the new Congress could have enough power to override a presidential veto on this issue.
Swiss scientists develop spinal implant allowing paralyzed rats to walk
A team of Swiss scientists have developed a new implant called the e-Dura, which has allowed paralyzed rats to move freely without damage or rejection. The implant uses elastic silicone and cracked gold wiring, which creates a mesh-like structure giving it flexibility comparable to that of the nerve tissue surrounding it. However, bringing this technology to humans is still a long way away.
Amedica restructures; includes 28% staff reduction & new spine focus
Amedica estimates there will be a $6 million to $8 million impact from the strategic actions on the annualized operating profit benefit. The change is expected to begin during the first quarter of 2015.
Stryker's 4Q 2014 sales up, but stock performance disappoints
Full year net sales were $2.6 billion to $9.7 billion, which is a 6.1 percent to 7.3 percent growth over 2013. But, according to a Nasdaq report, the company experienced a negative per-share impact of $0.06, which is worse than had been expected.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian offers warranty on spine surgery
Under a new warranty plan, Dr. Deukmedjian, a neuro-spine surgeon with Deuk Spine Institute in Melbourne, Fla., and Surgery Center of Viera (Fla.) promises patients that their back discomfort will be immediately eliminated. If that's not the case, any more therapies will be offered up at no cost.
Cleveland Clinic joins Ohio collaborative to improve care, including spine
The collaborative — Midwest Health Collaborative — gathers data on several key specialties, including spine surgery and decompression. The institutions share best practices and network with providers to deliver better quality, low cost care.
Does surgery make a difference for spinal stenosis?
The latest publication from the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trials shows eight-year outcomes data for patients with symptomatic lumbar stenosis. The "intent-to-treat" analysis shows no difference between the patients who underwent surgery and those who underwent nonoperative care. But, at eight years, 70 percent of the surgery group and 52 percent of the nonoperative group had undergone surgery.
U.S. minimally invasive spine surgery drives growth in the overall spine market
The majority of patients are now choosing minimally invasive spine procedures over traditional open fusions. The clinical outcomes for less invasive procedures are largely positive and surgeons are also looking into minimally invasive approaches to keep their practice competitive and increase revenues.
More articles on spine:
6 key thoughts on pediatric lumbar stenosis
10 trends in the spine market
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