11.20.12
While powered devices have become a staple in some neuro-related procedures such as cranial closure systems, the reception has been less enthusiastic in spine—until this year. In April, Medtronic Inc. announced the launch of its Powerease System, which is an arrangement of electronic instruments designed specifically for spine surgery.
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Medtronic claims the Powerease system has given spinal surgeons an archetype to interact with so they can experience first hand how a powered device can help them resolve some ubiquitous challenges, including:
Only a few years ago, approaching a manufacturer of spinal surgery instruments about adding power to their devices was an exercise in rejection. Now, as we near 2013, the tables have turned.
Manufacturers of spine-related devices are approaching power specialists at an eyebrow-raising rate. With competition being alive and well in medtech, they also want their powered spinal surgery system.
This is cause for enthusiasm, as well as caution. Just as oncology, neurosurgery and pediatrics are medical specialties, so is the ability to design and manufacture the next generation of surgical devices. It’s a specialized skill-set requiring extensive expertise in mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering; a unique understanding of the proper regulatory approval process; and distinct capabilities to ensure that the powered device will remain safe and reliable—even after exposure to harsh liquid environments during usage and cleaning.
With an increasing number of patients entering the operating room globally, the demand for powered devices will continue to increase. However, adding power to a medical device is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each medical specialty has its own unique needs related to speed, power, torque, and stability.
In order for a medtech company to develop its own innovative powered device for spine and other types of surgery, partners are needed that keenly understand the unique complexities of power and remain on the cutting edge of related emerging technologies.
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Medtronic claims the Powerease system has given spinal surgeons an archetype to interact with so they can experience first hand how a powered device can help them resolve some ubiquitous challenges, including:
- Reducing fatigue and injury caused by the repetitive hand motion associated with manually ratcheting screws;
- Maintaining the surgeon’s ability to “feel” the torque at which bone screws are inserted;
- Minimizing unintended ‘wobble’ and enhancing the control of a surgeon tapping and driving a screw; and
- Ensuring a better experience and outcome for the patient.
Only a few years ago, approaching a manufacturer of spinal surgery instruments about adding power to their devices was an exercise in rejection. Now, as we near 2013, the tables have turned.
Manufacturers of spine-related devices are approaching power specialists at an eyebrow-raising rate. With competition being alive and well in medtech, they also want their powered spinal surgery system.
This is cause for enthusiasm, as well as caution. Just as oncology, neurosurgery and pediatrics are medical specialties, so is the ability to design and manufacture the next generation of surgical devices. It’s a specialized skill-set requiring extensive expertise in mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering; a unique understanding of the proper regulatory approval process; and distinct capabilities to ensure that the powered device will remain safe and reliable—even after exposure to harsh liquid environments during usage and cleaning.
With an increasing number of patients entering the operating room globally, the demand for powered devices will continue to increase. However, adding power to a medical device is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each medical specialty has its own unique needs related to speed, power, torque, and stability.
In order for a medtech company to develop its own innovative powered device for spine and other types of surgery, partners are needed that keenly understand the unique complexities of power and remain on the cutting edge of related emerging technologies.