NuVasive Unveils Spine’s First Integrated Surgical Automation Platform

NuVasive Inc., the company focused on transforming spine surgery with minimally disruptive, procedurally-integrated solutions, today announced the Pulse surgical automation platform has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Pulse is the foundation for Surgical Intelligence, the company’s ecosystem enabling better surgery. Pulse introduces 2D- and 3D-navigation and smart imaging capabilities while integrating the company’s leading neuromonitoring, surgical planning, radiation reduction and patient-specific rod bending technologies. This single platform addresses a broad range of clinical challenges, with enhanced utility and intuitive workflow. The fusion of these technologies supports reproducible spine surgery at facilities ranging from major health systems to ambulatory surgery centers.
 
“Pulse seamlessly integrates multiple intraoperative technologies through an intuitive guided surgical workflow within a single device and footprint in the operating room,” said Dr. Stephen Ryu, neurosurgeon at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Palo Alto, Calif. “Unlike other newer surgical technologies, Pulse enhances the surgeon’s ability and can positively affect outcomes by providing a modular platform of useful intraoperative tools that do not disrupt familiar workflow. Additionally, Pulse provides enhanced support throughout each case be it a simple decompression all the way to complex deformity cases.” 
 
Pulse’s FDA clearance marks a major milestone in the company’s commitment to introduce 2D- and 3D-navigation technology built on a platform of the company’s NVM5 nerve monitoring system, LessRay, Bendini, and Integrated Global Alignment (iGA) systems. The Pulse platform provides an intuitive surgeon experience by anticipating user needs and fusing these technologies to create a seamless, optimized workflow for operating rooms (OR). Through Wi-Fi connectivity and independent device access, case participants can simultaneously view the technologies’ imaging and insights in real time, allowing them to utilize various modules in parallel and further drive OR efficiencies. 
 
“With Pulse, our strategy is to integrate technology to ultimately drive better spinal procedures and meet the unique needs of each OR through customized applications,” said Matt Link, executive vice president of strategy, technology and corporate development at NuVasive. “Through the aggregation of clinical data and intelligent design, Pulse intuitively delivers the necessary technological intervention to drive improvements in procedural workflow and support the clinical needs for each OR, surgeon and case.”
 
To help surgeons overcome frequent visualization challenges during spine surgery, Pulse integrates multiple high-resolution cameras combined with low-profile, 360-degree arrays to drive uninterrupted line-of-sight and optimized procedural workflow. Additionally, Pulse introduces advanced artificial intelligence (AI) by automating several technologies utilized throughout a procedure. 
 
NuVasive will showcase the Pulse platform at the North American Spine Society 2018 Annual Meeting held September 26-29, 2018 in Los Angeles, Calif.