During NuVasive's second-quarter earnings call, CEO Chris Barry said the timeline for its Pulse robotic system for spine surgery has been further delayed, according to Seeking Alpha.
Four things to know:
1. The timeline for the Pulse system and its associated robotics application has been pushed back due to "software and hardware updates following beta testing, as well as the impact of COVID-19," Mr. Barry said.
2. NuVasive aims to finish testing and receive FDA clearances in the summer of 2021, rather than the previously communicated first half of 2021. The first-in-human use of the robotic system is expected to take place in 2022.
3. Mr. Barry reinforced that robotics is a key component of NuVasive's "imaging, navigation and automation strategy." He said that the company will have a better idea of the Pulse system's timeline over the next three to six months.
4. The Pulse system is an open imaging platform integrated with Siemens' 3D mobile C-arm, the Cios Spine. NuVasive expects it to compete with other robotic spine offerings on the market, including Medtronic's Mazor X, Globus Medical's Excelsius GPS and Zimmer Biomet's Rosa Spine.