Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Nov. 12, 2015.
Laser Spine Institute establishes clinical trials partnership with Spinal Kinetics, Titan Spine
The institute has been selected as a clinical site for trials conducted by both Spinal Kinetics and Titan Spine. Spinal Kinetics' FDA-regulated clinical trial is studying the M6-C artificial cervical disc, a motion preservation technology. Titan Spine's clinical trials will involve transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion procedures for up to 25 trial patients.
AxiaLIF could save $3.5k per spine surgery
The AxiaLIF procedure could save $3,500 per procedure when compared with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, according to a new economic analysis. The procedure is associated with shorter hospital stays and lower hospital readmission rates. Medicare approved AxiaLIF with the CPT code 22586 and there are 90 supportive peer-reviewed studies with the procedure.
Overlake Hospital opens new neuroscience, neurosurgery institute
Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, Wash., opened its new neuroscience institute. The 7,000-square-foot institute will house Overlake's neurology and neurosurgery clinics. Services offered include treatments for conditions of the brain, spine and neurological system. Neurosurgeon Abhineet Chowdhary, MD, serves as the institute's medical director.
AMA CPT Editorial Panel approves new Category I CPT code for interspeinous spacers
The AMA CPT Editorial Panel to add Category I CPT codes to describe one and two level insertion of interspinous spacers. This covers San Clemente, Calif.-based VertiFlex's Superion Interspinous Spacer. The CMS also added the insertion of interspinous spacers to the list of approved surgical procedures in ASCs, starting Jan. 1, 2016.
Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital opens orthopedic, spine unit
Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital in Boston has opened an inpatient orthopedic and spine care unit. The unit provides comprehensive treatments for musculoskeletal care and includes a physical therapy gym.
Mazor Robotics net revenue drops 18% in Q3
Mazor Robotics reported a net revenue drop in the third quarter. Third quarter revenue dropped 18 percent to $5 million compared to the same quarter last year. The United States revenue generated decreased to $4.3 million compared to $5.4 million reported in the third quarter a year ago.
Medovex enters consulting agreement with spine surgeon Dr. Vik Kapoor
Medovex entered into an advisory board member consulting agreement with spine surgeon Vik Kapoor, MBBS, from the United Kingdom. Under the terms of the agreement, Dr. Kapoor will leverage his expertise, experience and relationships in the spine surgery space. Dr. Kapoor will also to help introduce the Medovex DenerveX System to other physicians and medical professionals in Europe.
Vancomycin most effective antibiotic for deep wound infection after pediatric scoliosis surgery
Researchers examined deep wound infections after pediatric scoliosis surgery in an article published in Spinal Deformity. Twenty-four patients had surgical site infections, and the average infected cohort member was 14 years old. The majority of the infected patients — 67 percent — reported bowel/bladder incontinence and 71 percent had prolonged intravenous access perioperatively.