University of Arizona Startup Develops Comprehensive Orthopedic Hardware Removal Toolkit

A new startup company, Ancerix, has emerged from the University of Arizona with a mission to address the specific challenges faced by surgeons in extracting orthopedic hardware.
 
The company’s toolkit is designed to tackle three common challenges: screw heads that are inaccessible due to bone overgrowth; screws that spin freely and have lost purchase due to infection or poor bone quality; and pieces of a broken rod that are irretrievable because they lack attachment points.
 
The toolkit is the brainchild of a multidisciplinary team of inventors led by Dr. Daniel Latt, associate professor in the College of Medicine – Tucson and the College of Engineering. The team also includes five undergraduate students who led the initial design and testing of the tools as their capstone project for the Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Program.
 
“I’ve always believed in addressing the real-world challenges we face in the operating room,” said Latt. “These tools, stemming from our rigorous research at the University of Arizona, aim to offer practical solutions to specific issues we frequently encounter. It’s about refining our approaches and ensuring we have the right tools at our disposal. Ancerix’s toolkit, built upon our patented inventions, represents this very ethos.”
 
The toolkit is currently undergoing comprehensive testing and the company is actively pursuing seed round capital. Upon completion of the testing phase and securing funding, Ancerix plans to submit an application for FDA approval. If approved, the toolkit is expected to launch in fall 2024.
 
“Ancerix rests on collaboration, innovation and an unwavering commitment to superior patient care,” said John Buttery, president of Ancerix. “Our partnership with Dr. Latt and the licensed patents from the University of Arizona are a testament to this dedication. As we refine our orthopedic instruments with precision, we are firmly set on achieving the rigorous benchmarks for FDA approval. Subsequent to this, the Ancerix toolkit will be introduced to orthopedic surgical groups globally.”
 
The development of this toolkit is a significant advancement for the field of orthopedic surgery. By addressing the challenges of hardware removal, Ancerix is helping to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. The company’s comprehensive approach and commitment to innovation are sure to make a positive impact on the lives of patients around the world.
 
In addition to the benefits for patients, the Ancerix toolkit also has the potential to generate significant economic benefits for the state of Arizona. The company is expected to create new jobs and attract investment to the region. Ancerix is also poised to become a global leader in the field of orthopedic hardware removal, which could further boost the state’s economy.