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SmartTRAK Life Sciences News and Analysis Blog

3 min read

SMISS 2024 - MIS Spine Continues to Grow

By Erin Dorgan on 10/8/24 9:28 AM

SmartTRAK takes a look at trends impacting the MIS Spine market.

The seventeenth Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS) Annual Forum was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from September 5 to 7. It is the only US-based spine meeting dedicated to minimally invasive surgery (MIS). At this year’s meeting, the presenters focused on “innovate, adapt and evolve.”
 

In this article, SmartTRAK highlights key presentations and the latest trends from SMISS 2024 affecting the Spine Market. This includes what challenges still exist for MIS transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedures, considerations for surgeons learning the prone transpsoas (PTP) approach, indication expansion opportunities for cervical disc replacement (CDR) and factors that could disrupt the market for spine surgeons. SmartTRAK estimates these trends will contribute to the US MIS market 5-year CAGR of +7.0% by 2028. 

The topics covered include:

  • New Technologies Help Advance MIS TLIF Procedures
    • SmartTRAK estimates that MIS posterior procedures will reach 88K in 2028E, and over half of the interbody procedures are ... (read more)
  • Lateral Lumbar Interbody Procedures Growing in Mid-Single Digits
    • One of the fastest growing segments of the MIS Spine Market is Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion, which SmartTRAK estimates is growing with a 5-year CAGR of ... (read more)
  • Cervical Disc Replacement Indications Poised to Expand
    • SmartTRAK estimates that the CDR market is one of the fastest growth markets in Spine, with a projected 5-year revenue ... (read more)
  • ‘Innovator’s Dilemma’ Could Disrupt the Spine Market for Surgeons
    • Concluding the meeting with his presidential address, Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA, Co-Chief of Hospital of Special Surgery Spine and an Attending Orthopedic Surgeon at HSS, shared his vision of the future of the Spine Market with ... (read more)

Click the button below to download and read the complete "SMISS 2024 - MIS Spine Continues to Grow" perspective article by Erin Dorgan, SmartTRAK Sr Analyst, Spine and Orthobiologics.

Topics: Spine
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4 min read

Reimbursement Changes: Wound Dressings Under Threat in Germany

By Anikó Szekér on 10/1/24 9:30 AM

In an interview with SmartTRAK, Dr. Willi Schnorpfeil, an expert in reimbursement strategies, offers a comprehensive overview of the regulatory changes for advanced wound care products in Germany, which pose a potential threat to both market stability and patient care.

In an interview with SmartTRAK, Dr. Willi Schnorpfeil, managing partner of Value & Dossier and Reimbursement Specialist, provides insights into the scope, impact and potential future developments of changes in Germany’s reimbursement landscape, specifically concerning the Advanced Wound Dressing Market. Dr. Schnorpfeil highlights the challenges faced by the industry in meeting new evidence requirements and the possible implications for patient outcomes. This conversation sheds light on the complex regulatory environment in Germany and its broader implications for the healthcare sector across Europe.

Click on the video below to listen to SmartTRAK’s interview with Dr. Schnorpfeil (24:18 minutes), which was recorded on August 22. A link to download the complete transcript of the interview is also provided below. 

 

Topics: Wound Care wound
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2 min read

Trends and Developments in Spine Enabling Technologies at NASS 2024

By Thomas Wallick on 9/24/24 9:36 AM

SmartTRAK is attending the upcoming North American Spine Society (NASS) meeting being held Sept. 25-28 in Chicago, Our team can't wait to see all of our colleagues at the premier meeting for the spine market. To help you get ready for the meeting, in the following video, Elise Wolf, SmartTRAK's VP & GM of Orthopedics and Digital, reviews the latest trends and developments in the Spine Enabling Technologies market.



If you would like to see more of what SmartTRAK has to offer in spine coverage, including some of our recent articles on the trends and developments in the Spine Enabling Technologies market, or if you would like to meet with us at NASS 2024 in Chicago,  just click the button below.

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2 min read

NASS 2024: Bone Replacement Developments to Know Before You Go

By Thomas Wallick on 9/23/24 1:35 PM

SmartTRAK is attending the upcoming North American Spine Society (NASS) meeting being held Sept. 25-28 in Chicago, and we can't wait to see all of our colleagues at the premier meeting for the spine market. To help you get ready for the meeting, Erin Dorgan, SmartTRAK Senior Analyst, Spine, has recorded this video update with an overview of the bone replacement products and companies to watch at NASS 2024.



If you would like to see more of what SmartTRAK has to offer in spine coverage and the bone replacement market, including some of our recent articles, or meet with us at NASS 2024,  just click the button below.

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2 min read

ASPN 2024: Research and Innovation in Interventional Pain

By Anne Staylor on 9/18/24 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK reports the latest research and innovation in interventional pain management from ASPN 2024. 

Interventional pain management is rapidly evolving. Practitioners are expanding the tools in their toolbox beyond traditional pain therapies to offer patients a wider range of new and innovative treatment options in spinal cord stimulation (SCS), peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), minimally invasive spine and radiofrequency ablation as well as regenerative and restorative therapies.  

In this article,  SmartTRAK  highlights the latest research and innovation in interventional pain management from the American Society of Pain & Neuroscience (ASPN) Annual Conference, held July 11-14  in Miami, FL. The ASPN meeting has grown exponentially over the last several years and is a reflection of the growing interest in providing more treatment options to patients with chronic intractable pain. (See also  SmartTRAK’s  interview with ASPN Chairman Tim Deer, MD,  ASPN 2024: Evolving Ideas into Innovation and Practice .)
 
Among the many topics covered in detail in this informative article are:
 

Spinal Cord Stimulation

  • Correlating Neurophysiological Data to Pain and Treatment Success
  • FAST US Real-World Data
  • Remote SCS Management
  • Data Supporting Expanded Indications
    • Nonsurgical Back Pain
    • Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
    • Nociceptive Pain

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

  • Craniofacial, Head/Neck Pain
  • Comfort PNS Devices
  • Next Generation PNS Devices

Minimally Invasive Spine

  • Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVNA)
  • Minimally Invasive SI Joint Fusion
  • Lumbar Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Regenerative and Restorative Medicine

  • Intradiscal Therapy

Click the button below to download and read the complete "ASPN 2024: Research and Innovation in Interventional Pain" Market Outlook article by Anne Staylor, SmartTRAK Executive Editor, VP & GM of Neuro Therapies.

 

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2 min read

NASS 2024: What to Know Before You Go

By Thomas Wallick on 9/17/24 9:35 AM

SmartTRAK is attending the upcoming North American Spine Society (NASS) meeting being held Sept. 25-28 in Chicago, and we can't wait to see all of our colleagues at the premier meeting for the spine market. To help you get ready for the meeting, Erin Dorgan, SmartTRAK Senior Analyst, Spine, has recorded a video update with the trends, key players and innovations to know before the show.



If you would like to see more of what SmartTRAK has to offer in spine market coverage, including some of our recent articles, or meet with us at NASS 2024,  just click the button below.

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2 min read

Checking the Pulse of the Foot & Ankle Market

By Natasha Weeks on 9/11/24 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK takes a look at recent trends impacting the Foot & Ankle market.

As the first half of 2024 closes, SmartTRAK has observed a continued investment in the hallux valgus space. New implants and innovative instrumentation for hallux valgus procedures continue to push this segment to the forefront of the elective foot and ankle fixation space. While hallux valgus is front of mind for fixation, arthroplasty is also making waves as SmartTRAK continues to monitor toe replacement and advancements in ankle replacement.

As companies close out Q2 earnings, SmartTRAKcoverage has indicated slightly mixed results in the Extremities space. In this downloadable article, SmartTRAK examines recent trends impacting the Foot and Ankle market. including what's happening with hallux valgus procedures, which shows no signs of slowing down, and puts a spotlight on arthroplasty in the Foot &  Ankle segment

Click the button below to download and read the complete "Checking the Pulse of the Foot & Ankle Market" article by Natasha Weeks, SmartTRAK Managing Editor/Sr. Analyst Trauma & Extremities.

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2 min read

HealthPoint Capital Investor Day 2024: What to Know Before You Go

By Thomas Wallick on 9/9/24 6:16 PM

The 2024 HealtThe 2024 HealthpointCapital Investor Day is taking place on Friday, Sept. 13 in Las Vegas, and SmartTRAK will be there. Elise Wolf, SmartTRAK VP and GM of Orthopedics, has a new video update with everything you need to know before you go.



If you'd like to see more of what SmartTRAK has to offer in orthopedic coverage, including some of our recent articles on extremities, spine, enabling tech and total joints, just click the button below.

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2 min read

AOFAS 2024: What to Know Before You Go

By Thomas Wallick on 9/6/24 12:39 PM

SmartTRAK is attending the upcoming American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Meeting (AOFAS), being held Sept. 11-14  in Vancouver, and we can't wait to see all of our colleagues at the premier meeting for foot and ankle. To help you get ready for the meeting, SmartTRAK's GM of Trauma & Extremities, Natasha Weeks, has recorded a video update with the trends, key players and innovations to know before the show.




If you'd like to meet with Natasha in Vancouver or just read more of SmartTRAK's coverage of the Foot & Ankle market, visit SmartTRAK Foot and Ankle Central.

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3 min read

Medtronic: Transforming DBS Therapy - An Interview with Amaza Reitmeier

By Anne Staylor on 9/4/24 9:45 AM

Amaza Reitmeier, Medtronic’s VP and GM of Brain Modulation, discusses the company’s recent FDA approvals for asleep DBS and expanded MRI labeling, and provides an update on adaptive DBS in an interview with SmartTRAK. 

In an interview with SmartTRAK, Medtronic’s Amaza Reitmeier, vice president and general manager of Brain Modulation, discusses the company’s recent news in deep brain stimulation (DBS), including FDA approval for asleep DBS and MRI expanded labeling that allows patients to undergo additional scan time. She also provides an update on adaptive DBS (aDBS) and the ADAPT-PD trial, which is expected to support the global regulatory submissions to commercialize aDBS in patients with PD.  Medtronic recently filed for US FDA approval of aDBS.

Click on the following video to listen to the interview (14:32 minutes). A link to download a complete transcript of the interview is also provided below.
 


Interview Transcript

SmartTRAK: Hey everybody. Anne Staylor here with SmartTRAK. Today I get to talk to Amaza Reitmeier, the vice president and general manager of Brain Modulation at Medtronic. Hey Amaza, thanks for talking with me.

Amaza Reitmeier: Hi, Anne. Great to see you.

I know that you have some big news around DBS. You guys are advancing pretty quickly. The latest news involves FDA approval for asleep vs awake DBS, MRI expanded labeling, and then maybe you could give me an update on some other aspects of the adaptive DBS. So let's get started.

AR: Fantastic.

What is the significance? Talk a little bit about the FDA approval for asleep vs awake DBS, and why is that important? A lot of people are doing that. Just talk a little bit about the significance of that and what it means for Medtronic.

AR:
Thank you, Anne. Well, first and foremost, you know from our prior conversations that we're very focused on the patient and making sure that patients have the best options available to them. While you're right that asleep DBS has been being done for years, it's actually been contraindicated in our labeling. The original labeling for DBS, which was established decades ago, required test stimulation to confirm that the therapy was working. But we also know that ...

Click the button below to download and read the full transcript of the SmartTRAK perspective article "Transforming DBS Therapy - An Interview with Amaza Reitmeier" conducted by Anne Staylor, SmartTRAK's Executive Editor and VP & GM of Neuro Therapies. Download the Transcript

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2 min read

ESMINT 2024: Meet with SmartTRAK in Marseille, France

By Thomas Wallick on 8/30/24 11:19 AM

SmartTRAK's Anne Staylor, VP & GM Neuro Therapies, will be attending ESMINT 2024

SmartTRAK is excited to attend the ESMINT Congress 2024, which will be held at the Pharo Congress Center in Marseille, France, September 4-6. Anne Staylor, SmartTRAK VP & GM Neuro Therapies, will be there to cover the latest Neurovascular news and developments. In this Market Snapshot video update, Anne provides the latest research and technologies impacting the market for neuro intervention, including trends to look for at the meeting.



If you'd like to meet with Anne at ESMINT, or see more of SmartTRAK's neuro coverage, just click the button below to visit SmartTRAK Neurovascular Central.


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2 min read

Advances in Arthroscopic Innovation: An Interview with Stephen Snyder, MD

By Andy Knapik on 8/27/24 9:56 AM

Dr Stephen Snyder, MD, a renowned arthroscopic surgeon who now serves as the Medical Director for Pristine Surgical, discusses his experiences in the industry over the past 50 years.

In a recent interview with SmartTRAK, Dr. Stephen Snyder, a renowned arthroscopic surgeon who now serves as the medical director for Pristine Surgical, discussed his experiences in the industry over the past 50 years.

Click on the following video to watch the interview (58:52 min). For more details, interview topics by timecode are provided below. A link to download a complete transcript of the interview is also available below.


Interview Topics By Timecode:

00:50 Dr Snyder’s background.

08:02 The most notable advances that he saw during 40+ years in arthroscopy.

21:36 Some of the first arthroscopic repair procedures.

33:47 Using advanced technologies such as augmented reality.

39:17 The current state of industry meetings.

45:38 His role with Pristine Surgical and the advancing technologies in arthroscopic cameras.

Click the button below to download and read the complete transcript of the "Advances in Arthroscopic Innovation: An Interview with Stephen Snyder, MD" conducted by Andy Knapik, SmartTRAK Senior Analyst, Soft Tissue Fixation and Arthroscopic Enabling Technologies.Download the Transcript

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6 min read

Controversies in Knee Arthroplasty: An Interview with Andrew S. Murtha, MD

By Lisa Mahan on 8/26/24 12:50 PM

Andrew S. Murtha, MD addresses the controversy surrounding kinematic vs mechanical alignment in total knee arthroplasty.

Since the introduction of kinematically aligned knee arthroplasty in the mid-2000s, there has been controversy surrounding kinematic (KA) vs mechanical alignment (MA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Kinematic alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) attempts to restore natural limb alignment, maintaining the natural kinematic axis and ligament balance of the patient's knee. In contrast, the classic method of mechanical alignment aims to create a neutral hip-knee-ankle (HKA) axis. Advocates for KA say the technique intended to mimic a patient’s natural knee alignment will result in a more natural feeling and functioning knee. SmartTRAK had the opportunity to interview Andrew S. Murtha, MD regarding the growing interest in KA, what is driving this interest and what the future holds for KA vs MA with feedback from Benjamin Stronach, MD, associate professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Murtha is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who is currently an adult reconstruction fellow at Houston Methodist Hospital. He is also a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons’ (AAHKS) committee on Patient and Public Relations.

SmartTRAK: What has been your experience with kinematic alignment in total knee arthroplasty?

Andrews S. Murtha, MD: Kinematic alignment is a technical strategy in total knee arthroplasty that aims to individualize implant position by replacing only the cartilage and bone lost during the arthritis process. In its truest form, it does not place restrictions on the alignment of the components. I do not use an unrestricted kinematic alignment strategy in my practice, but the concept has expanded parameters for what is considered acceptable implant position.

In your estimation, based on your experience, what percentage of surgeons currently use KA vs mechanical alignment?

AM: In my experience, the majority of orthopedic surgeons use an adjusted mechanical alignment strategy. However, there does seem to be greater acceptance for slightly modifying the bone cuts to accommodate the patient’s native anatomy, thus reducing the need for large soft tissue releases to balance the knee. I would estimate that the percentage of surgeons using a truly unrestricted, caliper-based, resurfacing-type kinematic alignment strategy is relatively low.

What trends are you seeing in clinical practice – is KA increasing, decreasing or staying the same? What do you think is driving or limiting adoption?

AM: In general, interest in the kinematic alignment strategy has grown over the past 15 years. This interest seems to be driven by

Topics: Orthopedics
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3 min read

SNIS 2024: An Interview with Imperative Care's Ariel Sutton

By Anne Staylor on 8/20/24 9:45 AM

Ariel Sutton, EVP and GM of Imperative Care’s Stroke business, discusses the Imperative Trial, the company’s Zoom Insert Catheters and more in an interview with SmartTRAK at SNIS 2024. 

Imperative Care’s Ariel Sutton, executive vice president and general manager of the company’s Stroke business, discusses results from the Imperative Trial, what it means for the acute ischemic stroke (AIS) market and the company’s newest innovations in an interview with SmartTRAK at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgeons (SNIS) 21st Annual meeting in Colorado Springs, CO held July 22 to 26, 2024.

To find out more, listen to the following video (15:54 minutes). A link to download the complete transcript of the interview is also provided below. 

 

Interview Transcript (scroll down to download the complete transcript)

SmartTRAK: Anne Staylor here with SmartTRAK. Today I am speaking with Ariel Sutton, EVP and GM of Imperative Care Stroke Business, live from the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgeons annual meeting in Colorado Springs. Ariel, thank you for talking with me today.

Ariel Sutton: 
Thank you for having me.

Let's start by having you talk about Imperative Care's presence at SNIS. What's important for us to know?

AS: We’re really excited to share the results of the Imperative Trial at SNIS this year. This is a 260-patient prospective trial across 26 centers in the US, evaluating the clinical benefits of the Zoom Stroke Solution, including aspiration with our Zoom 88 catheters. The results from the trial showed high reperfusion rates of 82.2% TICI 2B+, which is similar to previous studies that were submitted to the FDA for 510(k) clearance for reperfusion indication. There are a few metrics that we think are important to highlight from the trial. First is ...  

Click the button below to download and read the full transcript of the interview "SNIS 2024: An Interview with Imperative Care's Ariel Sutton" , conducted by Anne Staylor, SmartTRAK's Executive Editor and VP & GM of Neuro Therapies. Download the Transcript

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3 min read

SmartTRAK Announces Sales Targeting Solution for MedTech Market Powered by Alpha Sophia

By Linda Bernier on 8/13/24 9:45 AM

New partnership helps clients find and engage with physicians to accelerate product adoption and complements SmartTRAK’s expert market insights

SmartTRAK, the leading global Medtech business and market software intelligence solution in the Orthopedics, Wound Care, Regenerative Medicine and Neuro Therapy markets, announces a strategic partnership with Alpha Sophia, a leading Medtech commercial intelligence platform, to help clients quickly identify sales opportunities and position for growth in a highly competitive market.

As the trusted source for market intelligence, SmartTRAK now offers Alpha Sophia’s sales targeting capabilities on its real-time SaaS platform, creating a “one stop shop” for customers in need of actionable sales data plus market insights for strategic decision-making. The Alpha Sophia platform is an intuitive tool that enables commercial leaders to easily identify target physicians by region, site of care, specialization, procedure volume, social media presence and more. Comprehensive profiles of practitioners and organizations put unique insights at the fingertips of marketing and sales teams, enabling them to develop personalized engagement approaches.

Customers who access Alpha Sophia’s sales targeting solution through SmartTRAK’s platform will experience all the benefits of a comprehensive market insights solution, including

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3 min read

Skin Substitute Market Rocked by DOJ Investigations

By Susan Paquette on 8/7/24 10:59 AM

SmartTRAK believes the billions of dollars of Medicare abuse already uncovered is the tip of the iceberg in services billed to Medicare via the Physician Fee Schedule.

 In June, the Department of Justice (DOJ)   announced  the 2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action, which resulted in criminal charges against 193 defendants, including 76 doctors, nurse practitioners, and other licensed medical professionals in 32 federal districts across the US, for their alleged participation in various healthcare fraud schemes. Of these, four defendants were charged in a scheme involving amniotic tissue to treat chronic wounds.

Arrests were made at the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport in June when two individuals attempting to flee the country were charged by the DOJ for defrauding Medicare over $900.0MM. According to the DOJ case summary, the two individuals “were charged by indictment with various counts of conspiracy, health care fraud, receiving kickbacks, and money laundering in connection with an alleged scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare $900 million for highly expensive amniotic allografts. The defendants targeted elderly Medicare patients, many of whom were terminally ill in hospice care, through their companies—Apex Mobile Medical LLC, Apex Medical LLC, Viking Medical Consultants LLC, and APX Mobile Medical LLC. “

SmartTRAK believes these charges are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the amount of fraud occurring in the US Market for Skin Substitutes. With a dramatic spike in Medicare claims in 2023, it’s clear widespread Medicare abuse has allowed the US Skin Substitute market to balloon, almost doubling in just one year! The abuse is primarily limited to amniotic tissue products, which held 52.5% of the US market in 2022 and 64.5% of the market in 2023.

In this downloadable article, SmartTRAK discusses in detail the DOJ investigation and its impact on the Skin Substitute market, including:

  • SmartTRAK Financial Analysis of the Market
  • The Impact on Established Market
  • Potential Drivers for Change
  • Criteria for Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Focused (MPFS) Players
  • What Could Impact the Market
  • What the Future Holds

Click the button below to download and read the complete "Skin Substitute Market Rocked by DOJ Investigations" article by Susan Paquette, SmartTRAK VP & General Manager, Wound.   Read the Article

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8 min read

Clues Point to Acetabular Reconstruction

By Lisa Mahan on 7/30/24 9:45 AM

Clue s AcetabularRecent patent applications reveal an industry focus on developing acetabular solutions

While enabling technologies in joint replacement continue to be in the spotlight, clues revealed in the shadows of data point to niche focus areas for hip implant advancements. After examining the evidence in US patent applications filed since the beginning of the year, SmartTRAK identified a trend towards acetabular implant solutions. These solutions include implant designs that can address or potentially reduce the risk of acetabular bone loss or instability, often encountered in revision hip arthroplasty.

SmartTRAK’s US Hip Replacement Market Overview points out that revision hip procedure growth remains lower than that for primary hips due to the extended implant survivorship of next-generation implants and materials. However, revision hip procedures are expected to grow with a 5-year CAGR of +3.5% to nearly 110K procedures by the end of 2028. And, according to a paper by Sahil A. Sanghavi, MS, DNB, et al., acetabular bone loss continues to be one of the most challenging issues faced by orthopedic surgeons. (J Am Acad Orthop Surg, May 2024).

At least 15 patent applications published since January 1 are related to acetabular implant solutions. The line-up of patent subjects ranges from trial implants for more accurate cup placement during surgery to custom 3D printed augments with filings from large market players to designing surgeons. In Figure 1 below, SmartTRAK outlines the most recent acetabular implant-related patent applications.

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5 min read

The Power and Promise of AI for Medtech

By Linda Bernier on 7/23/24 9:30 AM

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the medical device industry in myriad ways including enhanced diagnostics and imaging tools, more precise and consistent robotics and personalized medicine for improved patient care, and more. Where AI can also make a significant impact is in big data and predictive analytics by reducing staff administration, increasing efficiency and avoiding drowning in volumes of disparate data. But relying on AI alone for data and analytics has its pitfalls, especially when hallucinations occur resulting in flawed results and inaccurate predictions. That’s why having human experts behind the AI is critically important.

In this episode of DeviceTalks AI Podcast, Joe Mish, VP of Sales for SmartTRAK,  summarizes how SmartTRAK leverages AI tools alongside expert analysts to offer device customers one trusted source for market intelligence.  Joe discusses how Medtech customers rely on the unique, combined power of SmartTRAK’s Insights-as-a-Service platform and market and data experts to more quickly make strategic decisions around new product innovations and market expansions. With over a decade's worth of data and collective intelligence in the system, the predictive capabilities of AI and the power of non-hallucinating human insights, SmartTRAK might just be the “holy grail” solution. Just click the video below to listen in to learn more! 

A link to download the complete interview transcript is provided below.

 

0:00:00 Kayleen Brown: Hi everyone, I’m Kayleen Brown of DeviceTalks. Some exciting news to start. Our first four episodes of AI Meets Life Sci has more than 8500 plays. We’re so grateful that you’re interested in how AI is affecting our industry as much as I am. And as you probably noticed, we took a short break and we did that to speak to our audience in order to better understand how we can evolve that series, we learned two things. One, there’s an appetite for more artificial intelligence focused conversations. And two, we learned that though there’s an appetite for these conversations, there’s a hunger for these conversations to be specific to the medical device industry.

0:00:39 Kayleen Brown: So because of that, we’ve rebranded our series AI Meets Life Sci to DeviceTalks AI. DeviceTalks AI will feature exclusive conversations with the largest medtech OEMs and other industry stakeholders to better understand how they’re using artificial intelligence to reshape the industry. But you can still find us on every major podcast platform. Just search for DeviceTalks and make sure that you’re subscribed to DeviceTalks on YouTube.

0:01:06 Kayleen Brown: Today’s episode is extra special as we premiere under our new name. First, you’ll hear an interview with Joe Mish, vice president of sales at SmartTRAK. Joe reveals how SmartTRAK’s cutting-edge approach to market intelligence combines real-time analysis with the human touch of a world-class team. We will better understand how AI has helped speed up the market analysis process and how these technologies enhance strategic decision-making in market intelligence.

0:01:36 Kayleen Brown: After that is our keynote interview with Dr. Ha Hong, chief artificial intelligence officer at Medtronic Endoscopy. I’ll be joined by my AI Meets Life Sci co-host Brian Buntz, and we’ll discuss how Dr. Hong is integrating AI into Medtronic’s endoscopy unit, the potential impact of AI on healthcare outcomes, the importance of patient-centric AI design, and the promising future of AI in the medical device industry.

0:02:05 Kayleen Brown: As always, I’m so thankful for your continued support and I’m so excited about this new iteration of AI Meets Life Sci. Now, DeviceTalks AI. Again, we’re going to be specifically talking to medtech companies about how they’re integrating artificial intelligence for better health and business outcomes. So, let’s kick off our inaugural episode of DeviceTalks AI with my conversation with Joe Mish, vice president of sales at SmartTRAK.

0:02:36 Kayleen Brown: Joe Mish, vice president of sales for SmartTRAK Business Intelligence welcome to DeviceTalks AI. I’ve been so looking forward to sitting down with you and learning more about how artificial intelligence is integrating into the data world and helping our industry understand how the industry at large can look in the future. So with that, thank you again for joining us. I want to start at a 40,000 foot level, Joe.

0:03:05 Kayleen Brown: So can you tell our audience about SmartTRAK? What do you do and who do you serve?

0:03:11 Joe Mish: Absolutely. So SmartTRAK is a real time software as a service business intelligence platform. We provide rich market-level data, competitive intelligence and strategic insights to the medical device community. Essentially, we partner with medical device companies, OEM manufacturers, even financial service groups like VC and PE groups, as well as consulting organizations that really invest heavily in the medtech sector.

0:03:41 Kayleen Brown: I think your summary was a great high-level summary, but can you walk us through how real-time analysis is being conducted and ...

Click the button below to download the complete transcript of the interview featuring Joe Mish, SmartTRAK Director of Sales.

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3 min read

Meet John Hatchell: SmartTRAK's Director of Sales for the Commercial Team

By Sharon O'Reilly on 7/18/24 9:45 AM

We are pleased to announce that John Hatchell has joined the team at SmartTRAK as Director of Sales for the Commercial team. John has 13 years of Medical Device sales and leadership experience within Orthopedics, helping to support trauma, joint replacement and robotics for Stryker and Biomet. Most recently, he has been the founder and CEO of TYDEi Health, a provider-focused business intelligence and optimization platform.

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5 min read

ASPN 2024: SmartTRAK's Interview with Tim Deer, MD

By Anne Staylor on 7/16/24 8:41 PM

ASPN Chairman Tim Deer, MD, discusses the research and innovation at ASPN 2024 and the society’s collaborative approach to improving care for patients with chronic intractable pain in an interview with SmartTRAK.

Timothy R. Deer, MD, chairman of the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN), discusses the society's goals, its rapid growth, and how ASPN is collaborating with different stakeholders to improve patient care and offer a wider range of new and innovative treatment options for patients with chronic intractable pain. To find out more, including what’s new in neuromodulation, minimally invasive spine and regenerative medicine, listen to the following video recorded live at the ASPN 2024 Annual Conference held July 11-14, 2024 in Miami Beach, FL. A link to download the complete transcript of the interview is also provided below. 


SmartTRAK: Anne Staylor here with SmartTRAK. I'm at the beautiful Fontainebleau Hotel in balmy Miami Beach, Florida at the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience Annual Conference. Today is the last day of the conference and I have the pleasure of talking with Dr. Tim Deer, the chairman of ASPN. Dr. Deer, thank you for talking with me today.

Dr. Tim Deer: Anne, thank you so much for having me. It's a great pleasure to talk to you and thank you for coming to our meeting.

Yes. Well, as you know, I think three years ago was the last time I was at your meeting, and I've had a colleague cover it who lives on the East Coast since then. Now I'm back covering the meeting and wow, has it grown exponentially since you and Dr. Sayed co-founded this meeting. I think this year, there's been a lot of energy and vibrancy around the content and in the exhibit hall and honestly, there's so much news for me to cover.

But before we get into the meeting, I thought it'd be a good idea to have you start by talking about the meeting itself, how it's grown, what the attendance has been this year, et cetera. And then what have been some of the key goals of society? And what have you and your vice chair, Dr. Sayed, been working toward as a society since you established the meeting?

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7 min read

What's New in Sports Medicine: SmartTRAK at AOSSM 2024

By Thomas Wallick on 7/10/24 9:45 AM

Meet with SmartTRAK in Denver

The American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) will hold its annual meeting in Denver, CO, from July 10-17, 2024. This meeting will bring together sports medicine physicians, clinicians and industry professionals and feature the latest research, cutting-edge updates and discussion on the future of sports medicine. SmartTRAK will be there.

Andy Knapik, SmartTRAK Senior Analyst, Soft Tissue & Arthroscopic Technologies, will be getting the scoop on what’s new at AOSSM and will be available to meet in person at the meeting. If you or your company have important news you’d like to share, or would like to learn more about SmartTRAK, please reach out to Andy at andy.knapik@smarttrak.com.

SmartTRAK has put together highlights of recent news in sports medicine to catch you up on the “news to know” before going to AOSSM 2024. The following is just a small sampling of recent news and SmartTRAK updates from around the world compiled, reviewed and posted in real-time every day by the expert analysts
at SmartTRAK.

New Products:

  • Comparison Techniques For Medium To Massive Posterosuperior Cuff Tears

    Researchers look to prove that both transosseous-equivalent suture-bridge and independent double-row techniques provide comparable clinical results and retear rates for medium to massive posterosuperior RC tears. BMC Musculoskelet Disord

  • FNA mgmt highlighted five full launches YTD in 2024 in the high growth forefoot, minimally invasive and soft tissue markets including Grappler Knotless Anchor, Bridgeline Adaptive Tape, Mister Tendon Harvester, FJ200 Power Console and Burr System and PRECISION MIS Bunion System.

  •  Stryker launches Citrefix Suture Anchor System

    Stryker announced the launch of Citrefix, a suture anchor system for foot and ankle procedures. The new system uses Citregen, a bioresorbable material designed to mimic the chemistry and structure of native bone. SmarTRAK reported on the Citrefix 510(k) approval in Feb 2021.

Patents:

  •  Tissue Repair Devices and Methods

    US Patent “Tap-in bone anchor with expanding ring” was issued describing devices that can wrap around elongate tissue and are capable of supporting the tissue or keeping two severed ends in close proximity to one another. 12023030

  •  CONMED's US Patent Application "MENISCAL TRANSPLANT SYSTEM" was published relating to a meniscal transplant workstation and accompanying tools for preparing a meniscal transplant and tibial surface and mounting the transplant to a tibia. 20240207068

  • JNJ DePuy Synthes was issued US Patent “Methods And Devices For Repairing Meniscal Tissue” describing a suture anchor w/ an expanding ring that provides additional locking force for the device in bone. 12016545

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11 min read

What's New in Interventional Pain Management? News to Know Before ASPN in Miami

By Thomas Wallick on 7/2/24 9:45 AM

Meet with SmartTRAK in Miami!

The American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) will be holding
its 6th Annual Conference in Miami Beach from July 11-14, 2024, which
will feature the latest research, cutting-edge updates and discussion on
topics in pain and neuroscience.

SmartTRAK has put together highlights of recent news in SCS, PNS and
minimally invasive spine to catch you up on the “news to know” before
going to ASPN 2024. The following is just a small sampling of recent
news and SmartTRAK updates from around the world compiled,
reviewed and posted in real-time every day by the expert analysts
at SmartTRAK.

SmartTRAK’s Anne Staylor will be getting the scoop on what’s new at
ASPN, and will be available to meet in person at the meeting. If you or
your company have important news you’d like to share, please reach out
to Anne Staylor, SmartTRAK’s Executive Editor and VP & GM, Neuro
Therapies, at anne.staylor@smarttrak.com,

New Products:

  • SPR Therapeutics' SPRINT extensa XT System with Bimodal PNS

    BSX was issued a US Patent, “Stimulation Modes To Adapt Customized Stimulation Parameters For Use In A Spinal Cord Stimulation System,” describing a graphical user interface to allow a pt to select a stimulation mode and predict optimal SCS parameters for personalized SCS.12017061

  •  Aurora Spine Corp. announced the successful use of SiLO TFX MIS Sacroiliac Joint Fixation Device in over a dozen patients, providing a minimally invasive surgical option for SI joint pain. Aurora estimates market opportunity > $2.3B/yr in the US and expects full launch by mid-year.

  •  Inceptiv SCS: Offering Options in a Closed-Loop Device

    David Carr, Medtronic’s (MDT) VP and GM of Pain Interventions, discusses the company’s new Inceptiv SCS, what differentiates it from other SCS devices and what it means for MDT and the SCS market in an interview with SmartTRAKInceptiv SCS: Offering Options in a Closed-Loop Device

Patents:

  • Nevro*

    NVRO’s US Patent Application, "Selective High-Frequency Spinal Cord Modulation For Inhibiting Pain With Reduced Side Effects, And Associated Systems And Methods," was published from 1.5 KHz to ~50 KHz SCS to treat LBP with reduced side effects.20240181258

  • INBRAIN Neuroelectronics

    INBRAIN Neuroelectronics’ US Patent Application “SYSTEM FOR NEUROMODULATION APPLICATIONS” was published describing implantable and non-invasive wearable sensor-driven closed-loop neuromodulation systems that allow patient monitoring for PNS, VNS, DBS and SCS therapy. 20240207618

  • SPR Therapeutics

    SPR Therapeutics was granted US Patent “Systems And Methods For Treating Shoulder Pain Related To Subacromial Impingement Syndrome” re one-time, continued or periodic PNS to neurological motor points of the posterior and middle deltoid muscles to mediate shoulder pain. 11944809

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2 min read

M&A in the Total Joints Market

By Lisa Mahan on 6/25/24 9:45 AM

Companies riding the wave of tuck-in acquisitions.

While the chances are relatively low that the Total Joints Market will see a tsunami-size merger in 2024 that would materially change the market landscape, SmartTRAK expects to see a ripple effect from companies that continue to seek out mergers and acquisition (M&A) deals despite the challenging economic climate. Since the beginning of 2023, deals that had a more subtle effect on the market include those providing expanded international reach or initial entrance into the market. In this downloadable article, SmartTRAK highlights the acquisitions taking place since the beginning of 2023 and outlines the sentiment of some of the major companies towards future M&A. SmartTRAK also looks at what may be coming for the top Total Joints Market players, including Zimmer Biomet, Stryker, J&J/DePuy Synthes and Smith+Nephew, as they continue riding the wave of tuck-in acquisitions ...

Just click the button below to read the complete "M&A in the Total Joints Market" perspective article written by Lisa Mahan, SmartTRAK VP Product Development & IT, Sr. Analyst Total Joints. Read the Article


SmartTRAK is the Medtech industry’s only global Insights-as-a-Service solution for the Orthopedics, Wound Care, Regenerative Medicine and Neuro Therapy markets. SmartTRAK’s propriety methodology turns disparate data from hundreds of sources into powerful insights customers can rely on as the trusted source for strategic decision-making. The SmartTRAK enterprise platform includes rich daily updates, comprehensive market coverage and simple-to-use tools and dashboards for market, product and financial analysis. Customers leveraging the SmartTRAK platform also have direct access to market experts for inquiries and advisory services. If you would like a demo of what SmartTRAK offers and how we can help increase proficiency, improve productivity and reduce costs for your company, just click here.

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3 min read

SAWC Spring 2024: Highlighting the Hot Topic of Skin Substitute Reimbursement

By Jay Merkel on 6/19/24 11:55 AM

The proposed MAC LCDs for Skin Substitutes/CTPs was the hot topic of SAWC and will continue to be until the LCDs are finalized. In this article, SmartTRAK highlights new learnings from discussions at SAWC and the MAC open meetings.

The Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Spring 2024 meeting welcomed clinicians, researchers and industry to Orlando, FL, to learn, earn continuing education credits, share knowledge and network on the latest developments in advanced wound care. As is typical during SAWC, the Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders also held a meeting of their members. With the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) recently announced proposed changes in the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) governing Skin Substitutes/CTPs (cellular and/or tissue-based products), the Alliance pivoted and invited an expert to speak to the group about how the LCD process works and what laws govern what can be done at the MAC level versus the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) levels. Kudos go out to the team at the Alliance for bringing this meeting together. In addition to the Alliance meeting at SAWC, the MACs held open meetings for these LCDs from May 16 to May 29, and anyone, including manufacturers, could present comments, make a request and provide evidence. SmartTRAK participated in several of these meetings.

In this downloadable article, SmartTRAK gives an overview of LCDs, how they are drafted, the coverage limitations by wound type, issues surrounding evidence for inclusion on the covered list and an implementation timeline. For more information on what the proposed LCDs cover, see also “Medicare Administrative Contractors’ (MACs) LCD Changes: Impact on Skin Substitutes/CTPs.

The following subjects are covered in detail in this downloadable article:

  • The Process for Drafting LCDs
    As background, CMS governs the process for drafting the LCDs in their Medicare Program Integrity Manual (PIM) in Chapter 13, which was most recently updated in 2019 with almost every section re-written. These changes include ... (read more)

  • Coverage Limitations
    The LCD is a literal guide to what is allowed and, conversely, what is automatically denied within the limits written in the LCD. The LCDs for Skin Substitutes/CTPs are for ... (read more)

  • Missing or New Evidence and Reconsiderations
    One area that generated the most questions from manufacturers was how to address coverage decisions if the MAC working groups are missing recently published evidence or have evidence currently in development. The comment submission period was ... (read more)

  • Timeline for LCD Implementation
    During the MAC open meetings, participants had several questions regarding the timeline for LCD implementation, and some requested a delay in implementation. The following timeline applies to all LCDs ... (read more)

Just click the button below to download and read the complete " SAWC Spring 2024: Highlighting the Hot Topic of Skin Substitute Reimbursement " Perspective article by Jay Merkel, SmartTRAK Sr. Analyst.
Read the Article

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4 min read

INS 2024: The Past, Present and Future of Neuromodulation

By Anne Staylor on 6/17/24 12:16 PM

INS President Dr. Marc Russo and INS President-Elect Dr. Konstantin Slavin discuss the current “state of the union” in neuromodulation, how the field is evolving and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in an interview with SmartTRAK at INS 2024.

At the 16th International Neuromodulation Society World Congress (INS 2024) held in Vancouver, Canada, Dr. Marc Russo, INS president, and Dr. Konstantin Slavin, INS president-elect, discussed the current “state of the union” in neuromodulation, how the field is evolving, where it’s going and trends in research, technology and clinical practice in an interview with SmartTRAK. They also discussed challenges and opportunities in the field, how the INS is addressing recent criticisms about neuromodulation and the promise and potential of neuromodulation across a wide range of clinical applications. 

To find out more, including the promising indications and areas of growth for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS), click on the following video to listen to the interview recorded live at INS 2024 (51:53 min). Click hereto download a complete transcript of the interview. Topics by timecode are provided below. 

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3 min read

Orthopedic Enabling Tech Trends at AAOS and Beyond

By Elise Wolf on 6/4/24 9:45 AM

SmartTRAK highlights four key trends to watch in orthopedic enabling tech displayed at the 2024 AAOS and Canaccord Genuity Musculoskeletal Conferences.

Enabling technology was a hot topic of discussion at the 2024 Canaccord Genuity (CG) Musculoskeletal Conference and was a big focus at this year’s American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) annual meeting in San Francisco, California.   SmartTRAK  highlights four key trends noted at the meetings and expected through 2024 and beyond in orthopedic enabling tech and reports on key news from 17 companies in this space, ranging from multinational strategics to start-ups.
 

SmartTRAK's four key trends to watch in orthopedic enabling tech, which are discussed in detail in this downloadable Market Outlook article, are: 

    • Continued Growth in Ortho Robotics 
      • Similar to the last several years, robotics continued to be a large focus of orthopedic enabling tech at this year’s meetings, with SmartTRAK projecting ... (read more)
    • Navigation Targeted to ASC
      • Newer navigation technologies are overcoming the hurdles of traditional navigation systems and are making headway into the ASCs with designs targeted specifically to ... (read more)
    • Augmented Reality Gaining Traction
      • Intraoperative augmented reality continued to be an area of interest at the AAOS and Canaccord meetings this year, and SmartTRAK noted an ever-expanding number of ... (read more)
    • Advances in Smart Implants
      • Smart implants will continue to advance in 2024 as companies launch new products and work toward expanded applications. In addition to next-generation knee robotics and partial cementless knees ... (read more).
Click the button below to download and read the complete "Orthopedic Enabling Tech Trends at AAOS and Beyond" Market Outlook article by Elise Wolf, GM & VP, SmartTRAK Orthopedics, Digital & Quality. Read the Article
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3 min read

Medicare Administrative Contractors' (MACs) LCD Changes: Impact on Skin Substitutes/CTPs

By Susan Paquette on 5/29/24 9:45 AM

All seven MACs, in a united front, released proposed changes to the LCDs, which govern Skin Substitute/CTP use for DFUs and VLUs. SmartTRAK lookat the potential impact on the market.

A long-awaited update to Medicare coverage for skin substitutes has arrived. On April 25, 2024, all seven MACs issued the same proposed Local Coverage Determination (LCD) governing the use of skin substitutes/CTPs for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and venous leg ulcers (VLUs). For seasoned SmartTRAK subscribers, the decision to release an updated LCD was not a surprise. Several of the MAC directors have openly discussed tackling the LCDs. In 2022, a few of the MACs issued a different proposal, and in August of 2023, three MACs issued a final LCD governing skin substitutes for implementation later in 2023, only to be rescinded days before the effective date. In August 2023,  SmartTRAK published an article, " Impact of Medicare Administrative Contractor LCD Changes on Skin Substitutes/CTP Changes," discussing the potential impact of those earlier attempts.


Since the article was published last year, SmartTRAK has identified explosive market growth in some new care sites and added a new category, Mobile+, for expanded coverage. 

In this downloadable article, SmartTRAK delves into Mobile+, the key provisions in the proposed LCDs, patients affected and the estimated financial impact on the market, including:

  • Key Policy Changes
    • One of the key limitations of these LCDs is the number of product applications. Previous LCDs often had a ... (read more)
  • Impact on Patients
    • With the united front from all the MACs, this LCD will impact all traditional Medicare patients across the US. Patients enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans are also impacted by ... read more)
  • Market Impact
    • By reviewing the LCD coverage changes and mapping them to the various sites of care that have varying payment models, SmartTRAK sees ... (read more)
  • Links to LCDs and Articles from the CMS Announcement
  • List of Covered Products with Companies and Ulcer Sizes
  
Just click the button below to download and read the complete "Medicare Administrative Contractors' (MACs) LCD Changes: Impact on Skin Substitutes/CTPs" Perspective article by Susan Paquette, SmartTRAK VP & General Manager, Wound and Jay Merkel, SmartTRAK Sr. Analyst, Wound.Read the Article
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3 min read

Key Trends in Neurovascular Intervention for 2024

By Shelly Caruso on 5/21/24 9:45 AM

SmartTRAK highlights market and technology trends that will help drive growth in neurovascular interventions in 2024.

The neurovascular intervention market is poised for another exciting year in 2024, with key trends driven by an expanding treatable population and innovative technologies addressing critical gaps in patient care. The percentage of eligible acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who receive endovascular therapy (EVT) is projected to increase from ~25% in 2022 to ~40% in 2027E. According to the SmartTRAK US Mechanical Thrombectomy Market Overview, the market will generate a 5-year CAGR of 11.1%. Amidst market growth driven by treatment time window expansions, direct-to-EVT protocols and increasing evidence supporting EVT to treat large core stroke patients, SmartTRAK predicts continued advancements in three key areas: aspiration thrombectomy for ischemic stroke, automated stroke detection software and novel devices for treating intracranial aneurysms.

#1: Innovations to Increase Aspiration Efficiency
Aspiration thrombectomy is a mainstay of stroke treatment. With the increasing adoption of A Direct Aspiration, First Pass Technique (ADAPT), companies are innovating to improve aspiration efficiency, effectiveness, procedure speed, reperfusion and patient functional outcomes. SmartTRAK sees ... (read more)

#2 Accelerating Adoption of Automated Stroke Detection Technologies
Early and accurate stroke diagnosis is critical for timely intervention. Automated stroke detection software is gaining traction, with companies like Brainomix, RapidAI and Viz.ai leading the charge. Studies have shown that ... (read more)

#3 Aneurysm Treatment Beyond Flow Diverters
 While flow-diverting stents (FDS) remain a mainstay in treating intracranial aneurysms, SmartTRAK has witnessed the development of more novel devices catering to a broader range of aneurysm types and sizes since MicroVention introduced the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device in 2011, the first intrasaccular device developed specifically for the treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms. This trend towards tailored solutions based on ... (read more)

The neurovascular intervention market is on an exciting trajectory, driven by increasing patient populations, innovative technologies and a focus on improving patient outcomes. 2024 promises to be a year of significant advancements in ... (read more)

Just click the button below to download and read the complete "Key Trends in Neurovascular Intervention for 2024" Market Outlook article by  Shelly Caruso, SmartTRAK Market Analyst/Associate Editor. Read the Article

Topics: Neurovascular
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3 min read

ISASS: Approaching 25 Years of Advancing Techniques and Technologies for Treating Spinal Disorders

By Kris Jacques on 5/14/24 9:00 AM

ISASS’s Morgan Lorio, MD, president-elect, discusses the obstacles to adopting emerging technologies in spine surgery and the importance of advocating for policy changes to support innovative treatments and improve patient outcomes in an interview with SmartTRAK.

SmartTRAK recently interviewed Morgan Lorio, MD, the incoming president of the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS), to learn more about the society’s commitment and goals to spine advocacy and research as it approaches its 25th anniversary as a society.

Key topics discussed include ISASS’s successful efforts in addressing coding and reimbursement challenges to ensure access to innovative treatments for patients, the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on reimbursement, the new ICD-10 codes for discogenic pain, regenerative spine treatments, future directions and initiatives for ISASS and fostering collaboration between industry stakeholders and surgeon societies.

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3 min read

SmartTRAK Launches New Site-of-Care Treatment Tracker for Wound Care Powered by Data Partnership with Intellicure Analytics

By Gabriele Nichols on 5/13/24 3:35 PM

New offering delivers wound care companies with actionable data and analytics on wound care treatments, products and brands by site of care.

IRVINE, Calif., May 13, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- SmartTRAK, the leading Medtech market and business intelligence solution in Orthopedics, Wound Care, Regenerative Medicine and Neuro Therapies, in partnership with Intellicure Analytics announces the release of SmartTRAK Treatment Tracker, an innovative tool that provides in-depth market data and trending analytics across wound care treatments by site of care. The first offering in the data solutions portfolio is available now and covers the usage of Skin Substitutes in the hospital outpatient department (HOPD).

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2 min read

Vaporox Company Spotlight

By Susan Paquette on 5/2/24 6:33 PM

New leadership at Vaporox to launch a second generation of vaporous hyperoxia therapy at SAWC Spring 2024.

With the upcoming launch of its second-generation Vaporous Hyperoxia Therapy (VHT-200), Denver, CO-based Vaporox is well positioned to treat a wide range of chronic, hard-to-heal wounds and expand the company’s presence in the almost five billion dollar US Market for Advanced Wound Care. SmartTRAK spotlights the company, its latest research and VHT, a breakthrough technology designed to accelerate wound healing when combined with standard or advanced wound care.

In this comprehensive SmartTRAK Perspective article, available for download, we delve deep into Vaporox, exploring a variety of detailed topics, including:

  • The Overview
    Vaporox CEO and President Alan Sage, a successful start-up entrepreneur, brings his decades of experience to the medical device industry to bring VHT-200 to market. The novel technology was developed as a result of work at UCLA Medical Center for children with debilitating bed sores ...
  • Technology/Key Differentiator
    VHT delivers a unique combination of elements that accelerate healing: ultrasonic mist and concentrated oxygen. Vaporox administers these elements in a patented, automated, dual-modality system ...
  • Market Potential  
    After starting in the diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) space, the company has quickly expanded into facilities treating all types of wounds, including venous leg ulcers (VLUs), dehisced post-surgical wounds, burns and pressure injuries ...
  • Business Model/Financing
    The Vaporox business model provides the device to the clinician at no cost and charges for the disposable and pay-per-use fees ...
  •  Clinical/Regulatory Status 
    Vaporox received FDA 510(k) clearance for the second-generation VHT-200 product in the spring of 2023 ...
  • Reimbursement
    VHT is a low-frequency, non-contact, non-thermal ultrasonic mist therapy. It is an FDA-cleared technology that has been clinically validated as a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for healing nine types of skin wounds ...
  • Goals
    The company just hired a new vice president of sales and marketing and is aggressively pursuing high-volume private-practice podiatric surgeons, medical doctors, and nursing facilities ...

To download and read the complete "Vaporox Company Spotlight" perspective article by Susan Paquette, SmartTRAK VP & General Manager, Wound, just click the button below. Read the Article

Topics: Wound Care
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3 min read

Inceptiv SCS: Offering Options in a Closed-Loop Device

By Anne Staylor on 4/26/24 11:56 AM

Medtronic’s David Carr, VP & GM, Pain Interventions, discusses Inceptiv closed-loop SCS in an interview with SmartTRAK.

Medtronic (MDT) announced FDA approval for the Inceptiv closed-loop rechargeable spinal cord stimulator (SCS), the second closed-loop SCS device to reach the market using evoked compound action potentials (ECAPS). The company previously launched Inceptiv in Europe and Japan and plans to initiate Inceptiv’s US market launch in the coming weeks. 

SmartTRAK recently interviewed David Carr, MDT’s vice president and general manager of Pain Interventions, to learn more about Inceptiv, what differentiates it from other SCS devices and what it means for Medtronic and the SCS market. To listen to the interview, click on the following video (22:54 min). A link to download the complete transcript of the interview is also provided below. 


Anne Staylor here with BiomedGPS. Today, I am talking with David Carr, who is the vice president and general manager of Pain Interventions at Medtronic. Exciting news, David. Medtronic now has FDA approval for your Inceptiv SCS device, an ECAPs-based device. So David, tell me what does Inceptiv mean for Medtronic?

David Carr: Good afternoon, Anne, and thank you for your time today and your interest in this announcement for us. This is a big moment for Medtronic and especially for the pain team within Medtronic. This is technology that has taken many, many years to develop. If you think back to the pivotal RCT, we did ECHOMAC, which demonstrated the performance of closed-loop technology, the algorithm, many years ago. Six published manuscripts across many recognized journals. Twenty peer-reviewed abstracts and posters, data from over 200 patients and several million ECAPs. So this is not something that's just been developed in the last couple of years. There's been a tremendous amount of work invested in this platform. So this is a very big moment for Medtronic, finally getting approval with the FDA to launch the product in the US market. Because as you know, we've already launched this product in Europe and Japan, and we're already seeing the tremendous patient benefits that the product brings to the market.

Let's start by having you talk about the technology itself. What are the key differentiators for Inceptiv versus other ECAPs-based devices on the market?

DC: Well, there's only one other ECAP-based product on the market, and that product is essentially closed-loop paresthesia. Okay, what differentiates this product is ...

To download and read the complete interview "Inceptiv SCS: Offering Options in a Closed-Loop Device" with David Carr, VP and GM of Pain Interventions at Medtronic, just click the button below. Download the Transcript

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3 min read

Three Global Spine Robotics Start-ups to Watch in 2024

By Shelly Caruso on 4/23/24 9:45 AM

SmartTRAK highlights three innovative start-ups with next-gen spine robots in development: Cyber Surgery, LEM Surgical and SpinEM Robotics.

The landscape of spine robotics has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, with advancements in technology revolutionizing the approach to spinal surgeries. As we step into 2024, there’s a race in the Spine Enabling Technology Market among companies to develop state-of-the-art robotic systems. The demand for minimally invasive spinal surgeries has been a driving force in the evolution of spine-enabling technologies. 

In this article, available for download, SmartTRAK explores in detail three innovative start-ups with next-gen spine solutions in development. They are:

  • Cyber Surgery: A Modular System to Improve Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
    Cyber Surgery, a Spain-based healthcare technology startup specializing in medical robotics, is developing ALAYA, a robotic navigation system that uses internally developed haptic technology, which Cyber Surgery says is more precise and user-friendly than optical navigation systems. The company touts the system as ... (read more)

  • LEM Surgical: A Unique Multi-armed Approach to Spine Robotics
    Founded in 2021 and based in Bern, Switzerland, LEM Surgical takes a unique approach to spine robotics. Although LEM Surgical has held its robotic project, Sapien, in stealth mode, the company is looking toward ... (read more)

  • SpinEM Robotics: A Tracking Solution for Precision in Robotic Spine Surgery
    SpinEM was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in France. The company is supported by local industrial partners and a start-up factory in Grenoble. In January 2024, Haventure, an international accelerator for digital surgery and robotics start-ups, announced that ... (read more)

As Cyber Surgery, LEM Surgical and SpinEM Robotics pave the way for next-gen spine robotics, the market is poised for a significant transformation. These companies bring a unique set of capabilities, from AI-enhanced surgical planning to modular adaptability and a focus on minimally invasive techniques. The potential impact on the market is ...

Click the button below to download and read the complete Market Outlook article "Three Global Spine Robotics Start-ups to Watch in 2024" by Shelly Caruso, SmartTRAK Market Analyst/Associate Editor.Read the Article

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3 min read

Polaroid Therapeutics: Start-Up Spotlight

By Kris Flinn on 4/12/24 10:42 AM

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019, according to the World Health Organization. With AMR now seen as a top global health concern and COVID-19 still in recent memory, the challenge of overcoming infections appropriately and effectively exists in all areas of healthcare and beyond. This includes wound care, with SmartTRAK forecasting that the WW antimicrobial market will exceed $1.00B for the first time in 2024.

One company aiming to tackle the challenge in antimicrobial therapies is Swiss-based Polaroid Therapeutics. The company has developed a proprietary advanced polymer technology that is designed to reduce bio-burden in a variety of settings, including in wound management. SmartTRAK recently caught up with CEO and co-founder Ran Frenkel to discuss the journey that the company has been on. Click on the video below to listen to the interview (15:01 min). A link to download the transcript of the interview is also provided below.

Download the Transcript

SmartTRAK: This is Kris Flinn with SmartTRAK. Today, I'm joined by Ran Frenkel, CEO and co-founder of Polaroid Therapeutics. Polaroid Therapeutics is a Swiss-based biotech startup focused on the development of innovative antimicrobial technology. The company has developed a proprietary advanced polymer technology that is designed to reduce bio-burden in a variety of settings, including in wound management. Ran, thank you for joining us today. Could you please start by giving me some background on yourself?

Ran Frenkel: Hi, Kris. Thanks. Happy to be here. I'm a pharmacist by training. For the last 25 years, I have been working in the pharmaceutical industry in different kinds of management positions in drug discovery and drug development. For the last 11 years, I was the Chief Development Officer of an oncology company here in the US, where we developed a first-in-class new drug for blood cancers, which was approved in over 50 countries. For the last two years, nearly two years, I joined Polaroid Therapeutics, moving from the oncology space into more of the antibacterials and wound management space.

Fantastic. So, Polaroid is a name that many people will recognize, but could you tell me a little about Polaroid Therapeutics specifically and the journey that the company's been on?

RF: Yeah, and it's a very nice story because everyone is familiar with ...

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3 min read

Spine Market Movers to Watch in 2024

By Kris Jacques on 4/9/24 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK highlights companies to watch as they continue their double-digit growth train with multiple catalysts for expansion in 2024.

Overall, the US Spine Market had a remarkable year in 2023 with the completion of the Globus/NuVasive (GMED) merger creating a new #2 in Spine, displacing the incumbent DePuy Synthes (JNJ). SmartTRAK estimates the US Spine Hardware Market grew ~5.5% in 2023. However, many pure-play spine companies exceeded industry growth with exceptional, double-digit growth rates in 2023, while others approached the $100MM revenue milestone. In this article, SmartTRAK highlights five pure-play spine companies to watch and the catalysts driving their expansion in 2024.
 

Continued Double-Digit Growth in 2024

SmartTRAK  expects three spine companies to see continued double-digit growth in 2024, particularly based on competitive moats developing and the ability to execute in their respective purviews, They are:
  • Alphatec Spine: Expanding Its Competitive Moat in Lateral Procedures
    • Alphatec has grown double digits yearly over the last five years. ATEC is now the #1 pure-play Spine Market leader and #5 in the overall Spine Market. These market share gains can be attributed to ... (read more)
  • SI-Bone: Competition Will Test the SI Fusion Market Leader in 2024
    • SI-Bone has grown double digits over the past three years. SIBN is the market leader in minimally invasive spine (MIS) SI Fusion with over 55% market share in the SI Fusion Market and more than ... (read more)
  • Centinel Spine: Fastest Growing Spine Company in 2023
    • In 2023, Centinel Spine was the fastest-growing spine company in one of the fastest-growing areas in spine, motion preservation. Centinel Spine reported record worldwide total disc replacement (TDR) revenue of nearly ... (read more)

Companies Closing in on $100MM in 2024

Both Spinal Elements and Xtant Medical came close to reaching the $100MM revenue mark in 2023 and SmartTRAK expects both to reach that lofty milestone in 2024. 

  • Spinal Elements: Focus on MIS Innovation, the Aging Spine and ASCs
    • Spinal Elements was just shy of $100MM in revenues in 2023. The company is focused on some of the fastest-growing trends in spine including ... (read more)
  • Xtant Medical:  Integrated Hardware, Biologics and More Acquisitions
    • Xtant Medical (XTNT) is also closing in on the $100MM revenue mark, growing +54.5% over 2022. XTNT had an exciting year of acquisition activity, including ... (read more)

To download the complete "Spine Market Movers to Watch in 2024" article by SmartTRAK's  Kris Jacques, please just click the button below. Read the Article

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4 min read

Swedish Wound Care Companies – You Win Some, You Lose Some

By Lennart Stadler on 4/2/24 9:30 AM

It is difficult to make it as a small to midsize company in the Global Wound Care Market, which was painfully evident for a few Swedish companies in the fall of 2023. SmartTRAK looks at lessons learned and explains why the future is still bright.

Sweden is traditionally a great place to start a wound care company. Several established global leaders are based there, like Mölnlycke*, Essity* and Arjo*. They fund early-stage companies and act as a source of skilled personnel. Strong universities and leading pharma and medical device companies also contribute to a dynamic market.

In the fall of 2023, not one, not two, but three Swedish companies found themselves in deep trouble. RLS Global filed for bankruptcy, Promore Pharma was liquidated and S2Medical was under reconstruction. In this article, SmartTRAK looks deeper at those companies, what went wrong, and highlights a few startups embarking on the journey. Lessons learned are not limited to the Swedish market but apply everywhere.

The companies covered in detail in this comprehensive Market Perspective article, which can be downloaded in its entiretyhere, are:

Although the fall of 2023 was challenging for a few companies, the future looks bright for Sweden to maintain its position as a strong generator of ...

* These links can only be accessed by SmartTRAK subscribers. To learn more            about SmartTRAK and how to subscribe, scroll down.

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3 min read

Highlights in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy from AAOS 2024

By Andy Knapik on 3/26/24 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK highlights key trends and happenings in sports medicine and arthroscopy at AAOS 2024.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) convened this year in San Francisco, California, from February 12-16. Following several years of subdued participation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, last year's strong showing at AAOS in Las Vegas fostered expectations for a continuation of momentum this year. Despite lower-than-projected attendance from medical professionals, the event featured a robust presence of large and small companies presenting their products and services. So, what was the buzz at the meeting?

In this Perspective article, which can be downloaded here, SmartTRAK highlights key takeaways from AAOS for companies competing in the Sports Medicine Market, including the following topics:

  • Continued Interest in Biologic-driven Soft Tissue Fixation
    Companies are still helping drive soft tissue fixation sales through the use of biologics, which now are key advancements in technology at the forefront of sports medicine surgical procedures. Smith+Nephew continues to drive its Sports Medicine business with ... (read more)

  • Ongoing Focus on the ASC Market
    Companies at AAOS had a prominent focus on the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Market. According to the SmartTRAK US Ortho ASC Market Overview, as of 2022, there were over ... (read more)

  • Developments in Arthroscopic Technologies
    Another common theme on display across the AAOS 2024 exhibit floor was the showcasing of surgical video technologies. All the big players in sports medicine had their video systems on display, and some notable systems stood out. Stryker highlighted its newest ... (read more)

To download and read the complete "Highlights in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy from AAOS 2024" Perspective article by Andy Knapik, SmartTRAK Senior Analyst, Soft Tissue Fixation and Arthroscopic Enabling Technologies, just click the button below. Read the Article

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3 min read

Route 92 Medical: Raising the Bar in Neurovascular Thrombectomy

By Anne Staylor on 3/19/24 9:30 AM

Adam Hattan, VP of marketing for Route 92 Medical, discusses the SUMMIT MAX trial and provides an update on the company and products in an interview with SmartTRAK.

Route 92 Medical (R92) is raising the bar and advancing the treatment of acute ischemic stroke through its 250-patient SUMMIT MAX clinical trial, the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of “super-bore” 0.088” aspiration catheters. The company recently announced enrollment is complete in SUMMIT MAX, which features the company’s Monopoint Reperfusion System, including the HiPoint 88 and HiPoint 70 Reperfusion Catheters and the Tenzing Catheters. HiPoint is currently approved by the FDA as an access catheter, but the company plans to submit the results of SUMMIT MAX to the FDA to obtain the NRY indication, which would allow physicians to use the device on label as an aspiration catheter.

For an update on R92, its products and what SUMMIT​ MAX means for the company and market, SmartTRAK interviewed Adam Hattan, R92’s vice president of marketing. Click on the video below to listen to the interview, recorded via Google Meet (19:48 min). A link to download the complete transcript of the interview is also provided below.

Download the Adam Hattan Interview Transcript

Topics: Neurovascular
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8 min read

SmartTRAK Insights from the 2024 AAOS/CG Musculoskeletal Conferences

By Elise Wolf on 3/15/24 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK experts across orthopedics, sports medicine, spine and enabling technology attended this year’s 2024 Canaccord Genuity Musculoskeletal and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) annual conferences. Held from February 12-15 in San Francisco, CA, these gatherings brought together the top minds in the industry. In this post, we share some key insights and updates gleaned from these conferences, offering a glimpse into the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of orthopedic and musculoskeletal care.

  • MARKET

Maxx Orthopedics*
SmartTRAK
learned at AAOS 2024 that Maxx Medical is going on the offensive to grow its joint replacement business in the US and that the Company plans to launch new hip and knee products in 2024.

Paragon 28*
At AAOS 2024, Paragon 28 noted that its supply chain issues have resolved and does not expect a headwind this year. As a result, Needham believes the company can return to ~20% revenue growth in 2024.

restor3d*
Restor3d reported it currently has 157 active distribution partners calling on ~22,965 orthopedic surgeons and ~18,000 podiatrists. Management noted surgeons will bring difficult cases and from there restor3d can create additional sales opportunities. CG 2024 Musculoskeletal Conference

  • REVENUES

BONESUPPORT*
BONESUPPORT highlighted the continued strength of Cerament G in North America with approximate revenues of $17.0MM in Q323 since launching in June 2023. CG 2024 Musculoskeletal Conference

OrthAlign*
At AAOS 2024, SmartTRAK learned that OrthAlign’s 2023 revenue was up +25% to $51MM, led by strong adoption of its Lantern next-generation handheld navigation system and increasing use of the Balance gap balancing feature on Lantern Knee. The company noted +37% growth in the ASC setting.

Find out how to receive SmartTRAK Daily Updates in your morning email

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3 min read

Desert Foot 2023: Caring for Patients with DFUs

By Susan Paquette on 3/12/24 9:30 AM

Established and innovative new biologic products share space at Desert Foot 2023.

The diabetic population in the US continues to rise, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating that ~11.3% of US adults will be diagnosed with diabetes in 2021, the vast majority having Type II. The number of diabetics is even higher in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), where one in four (25%) has diabetes, according to recent statistics published in VA News.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Type II diabetes can eventually lead to high blood sugar levels, which can cause disorders of the circulatory, nervous and immune systems. One ailment that often arises with diabetes is the occurrence of a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) due to poor blood flow and neuropathy that many of these patients experience. The prevalence of a DFU varies with age, ranging from two percent in younger adults to eight percent in adults 65 and older.

In this article, which can be downloaded here, SmartTRAK reports on:

  • Skin Substitute Market Leaders at Desert Foot
    • Four of the top five US skin substitute/ CTP companies had a strong presence at the meeting. They were ... (read more)

  • Companies and innovations that caught SmartTRAK’s attention, including:
    • MicroVascular Tissues (MVT) - Featured mVASC, an off-the-shelf human tissue allograft consisting of ... (read more)
    • Fidia US - Showcased its newly launched Wound Care line of products, including ... (read more)
    • Merakris Therapeutics - Provides Dermacyte Amniotic Wound Care Matrix (Dermacyte Matrix) to the market as a skin substitute. However, at Desert Foot, the company discussed its ongoing clinical trial to investigate ... (read more)
    • Omeza - Presented its unique Omeza Complete Matrix (OCM) product and started the presentation by stating, “Omeza is not a Collagen Dressing or Product!! OCM is not a Dressing.” The company described OCM as ... (read more)

      To download and read the complete "Desert Foot 2024" article by Susan Paquette, SmartTRAK VP & General Manager, Wound, just click the button below.
      Read the Article
Topics: Wound Care
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3 min read

What Impact will GLP-1 Agonists have on Chronic Wounds?

By Kris Flinn on 3/5/24 2:24 PM

With many believing that GLP-1 agonists should be considered a “wonder drug,” SmartTRAK explores what impact their use could have on the market for wound care.

S martTRAK  estimates  that there were 77.7MM chronic wounds worldwide (US, Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, Brazil, China and India) in 2022, of which 41.4MM were hard-to-heal. Wound numbers are forecast to grow at a five-year CAGR of +0.8%, which is higher than the forecasted population growth of +0.3% but below the growth of those aged over 65 years old.
 
In this article, SmartTRAK provides an overview of GLP-1 agonists, explores the possible impact these drugs will have on the conditions that drive wound prevalence and advises on how the outcomes will influence future estimates.
 
Among the topics covered in this article are:
  • What are GLP-1 Agonists?
    GLP-1 agonists are a class of drugs mimicking the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1. The drugs stimulate glucose-dependent insulin release from the pancreas. A range of agonists have been developed and launched, with the first product being ... (read more)

  • What is the Future for GLP-1 Agonists?
    Financial indicators suggest that GLP-1 agonists are expected to expand significantly in use around the world. The two companies with drugs licensed for weight loss have seen record share price growth are ... (read more)

  • What Impact Are GLP-1 Agonists Expected to Have on Diabetes and Obesity?
    When GLP-1 agonists were launched in 2005, they required twice daily injections. This was driven by the rapid elimination, or short half-life, of the compounds. With further development, companies have improved usability and weekly injections and ... (read more)
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3 min read

Extremities Outlook for 2024

By Lisa Mahan on 2/27/24 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK takes a look at the trends impacting the Extremities Market in 2024 and beyond.

SmartTRAK provides comprehensive insights into the key trends shaping the US Extremities Market, with a particular focus on upper extremities and foot & ankle sectors. Reimbursement changes, the competitive landscape of robotics and innovative advancements in fixation technologies are poised to dominate discussions, underscoring the dynamic evolution of this market segment.
 

Among the many topics covered in detail in this market outlook article are:

  • CMS Reimbursement Changes Accelerate Shift to Arthroplasty Site-of-Care
    The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) move to reimburse shoulder replacement and ankle replacement in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) setting will accelerate the move of procedures to ... (read more)

  • An Increase in Pricing Pressure from the Shift to Shoulder ASC Procedures
    The national average CMS facility reimbursement in 2024 for total shoulder arthroplasty in an ASC is approximately $14K, significantly lower than for hospital-based procedures in the range of ... (read more)

  • The Race is on for Shoulder Robotics
    Stryker and Zimmer Biomet appear to be racing to the finish line to be the first to market in the US with a shoulder robotics solution. During Zimmer Biomet’s Q323 earnings call, CEO Ivan Tornos stated they plan to be first on ... (read more)
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3 min read

Advanced Wound Dressings: 2024 Market Outlook

By Lennart Stadler on 2/20/24 9:30 AM

From OEM manufacturers getting dressings approved in the US to pressure injury prevention focus - SmartTRAK takes a closer look at what to keep an eye on in 2024.

SmartTRAK forecasts the WW Advanced Wound Dressing Market will grow at a 5-year CAGR of +5.2%. The market grew +5.2% in Q323 and +5.6% in the first three quarters of 2023. Advanced Wound Dressings is a market spread relatively evenly across geographies, with Europe currently representing a 44.1% share of the 2023 worldwide (WW) market, the US representing 27.9% and the ROW 28.0%.

Looking ahead, SmartTRAK sees three trends continuing in 2024. They are:

  • Growing Use of OEM Manufacturers in the US
    In the US, most dressings require 510(k) clearance by the FDA. A strong trend in recent years is that original equipment manufacturer (OEM) providers have been getting their products approved for sale in the US and then ... (read more)

  • Major Players Investing in Infrastructure
    Another trend of interest is more activity than usual from leading companies investing in infrastructure. SmartTRAK examines recent events and the potential drivers behind those decisions ... (read more)

  • Growth in Dressings for Pressure Injury Prevention
    SmartTRAK expects the use of dressings for pressure injury prevention to be a key growth driver in the Advanced Wound Dressing Market in the coming years. The trend is supported by an increasing body of evidence indicating that ... (read more)

SmartTRAK has developed an in-depth analysis of the pressure injury prevention market, including the market size for the US, Europe, and the rest of the world (ROW), five-year forward forecasts, clinical and laboratory evidence, key drivers of market growth, and product technologies and claims. To find out more, please click here.

To download and read the complete "Advanced Wound Dressings: 2024 Market Outlook" by Lennart Stadler, SmartTRAK GM, OUS & Sr. Analyst, Wound and Anikó Szekér, SmartTRAK Sr. Analyst, Wound, just click the button below. Read the Article

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3 min read

HMP Global’s Wound Care Learning Network Partners with SmartTRAK to Provide Wound Care Market Intelligence, Analysis

By SmartTRAK on 2/15/24 1:44 PM

Rich ongoing data updates and comprehensive expert analyses will deliver evolving market trends and conditions for wound care professionals.

MALVERN Pa., (February 15, 2024) — HMP Global’s Wound Care Learning Network (WCLN) today announced a partnership with SmartTRAK, a comprehensive life sciences market intelligence solution providing real-time market data and analysis along with expert insight on evolving trends and conditions of interest for wound care professionals.

Topics: Wound Care
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2 min read

Wound Debridement 2024 Outlook

By Kris Flinn on 2/12/24 12:08 AM

With the eyes of the wound care world focused on the markets for Skin Substitutes and Antimicrobials, SmartTRAK discusses how 2024 could be a disruptive year for Debridement.

SmartTRAK forecasts that the WW Debridement Market will grow at a 5-year CAGR of +4.9% to 2027E, at which point it will be valued at over half a billion dollars. In this article, Kris Flinn, SmartTRAK's Sr. Analyst, Wound, does a deep dive into what's ahead for the debridement market, including the indexed growth for Advanced Wound Care (AWC) and Debridement for each of the three SmartTRAK geographical regions: US, Europe (EU) and the Rest of World (ROW).

Among the topics covered in detail in this market outlook article, which can be downloaded here, are:

  • Chemical Debridement Growing Pains
    Chemical Debridement is the smallest of the Debridement segments The WW 5-year CAGR of +69.1% promises a brighter future, with usage growing across all geographic regions, including ...
  • New Enzymatic Debridement Technologies Continue to Build Evidence
    MediWound presented Phase IIB clinical trial results for bromelain-based EscharEx at the SAWC Spring meeting in May 2023. The 120-patient venous leg ulcer, multicenter, randomized control trial compared EscharEx with a placebo gel vehicle and a non-surgical standard of care (SoC). Results showed...
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3 min read

Medtronic: Making Waves At NANS 2024

By Anne Staylor on 2/6/24 9:40 AM

Medtronic executives discuss how the Company is making waves in interventional pain, minimally invasive spine and deep brain stimulation in an interview with SmartTRAK at NANS 2024.

Medtronic’s David Carr, vice president and general manager of Pain Interventions, and Amaza Reitmeier, vice president and general manager of Brain Modulation, discuss the Company’s latest news, research and innovation in an interview with SmartTRAK at the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) 2024 Annual Meeting held January 18-21 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

To find out more, including the Company’s priorities and vision for interventional pain, minimally invasive spine and deep brain stimulation, click on the following video to listen to the interview (32:30 min). Topics by timecode are provided below, and you can click the button to download a transcript of the interview.

Download the Transcript

Interview Topics by Timecode:

00:27 David Carr introduction and background. Overview of Medtronic’s top news at NANS and the importance of the Company’s broad portfolio of pain intervention solutions, including stimulation, targeted drug delivery and interventional spine. 

04:28 Overview of Medtronic’s presence at NANS regarding clinical and scientific research vs competitors. Highlights of clinical data from Australian ECAPs study to support the introduction of the Inceptiv Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) system, what’s next for Inceptiv and how Inceptiv differs from other ECAP-based SCS devices. Discussion of other research and evidence to support expanded indications and health economics. Company strategies for leveraging data to drive adoption, reimbursement and growth in non-surgical refractory back pain and diabetic painful neuropathy (DPN),

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4 min read

SmartTRAK's Top 12 Blog Posts of 2023

By Thomas Wallick on 1/30/24 1:04 PM

Throughout 2023, SmartTRAK led the way in helping you Be The Expert in the MedTech industry. Serving as your trusted resource for the latest industry developments, we provided real-time market data and analysis across the orthopedic, wound care, regenerative medicine and neurotherapy sectors.  Presenting SmartTRAK's Top 12 Blog Posts from 2023, featuring indispensable insights from our expert analysts.

  1. Could Reverse Hips Change the Total Hip Game?
    Hip Innovation Technology is betting on its Reverse HRS Hip to change the practice of total hip replacement

  2. Three Ortho Robotics Companies to Watch in 2023
    SmartTRAK identifies three orthopedic robotics companies strategically positioned to shake things up this year in the fast-growing robotic-assisted TJA market.

  3. Saluda Medical: Changing the Game in Spinal Cord Stimulation
    Saluda Medical President and CEO Jim Schuermann discusses the Company, the Evoke System and changing the game in SCS in an interview with SmartTRAK.

    Request a Demo of the SmartTRAK Business Intelligence Platform

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2 min read

Total Joints Market 2024: Trends to Watch

By Lisa Mahan on 1/23/24 9:30 AM

Forces likely to influence the Total Joints Market in 2024

Final Q423 US Total Joints Market results are expected to solidify above pre-COVID growth rates for 2023. The post-pandemic patient backlog sustained strong market performance in 2023 despite tough comparisons and a challenging economic environment with rising inflation and the threat of a recession looming over healthcare consumers. What will the future hold? In this article, SmartTRAK looks at some of the trends to watch in 2024, including:

  • Mixed Predictions Regarding Patient Backlog
    Several Companies including Zimmer Biomet are banking on the backlog of patients to continue boosting procedure growth through 2024. Wall Street analysts, however, are more tempered in their forward-looking projections.
  • US Economic Factors Buoying Consumer Confidence
    The demand for health care is typically more resilient in the face of weaker economic conditions. However, improvements in some economic conditions in the US during 2024 are expected to buoy consumer confidence.
  • Ongoing Shift to Outpatient Site-of-Care Despite Reimbursement Decline
    Eligible patients are continuing to choose joint replacement surgery in an outpatient or ambulatory surgery center (ASC) setting in increasing numbers. New ASCs springing up around the country are giving potential patients expanded site-of-care options.
  • Ongoing Influence of ASC Economics
    ASCs facing lower reimbursement rates compared to hospital outpatient and inpatient settings will continue to look for product solutions that improve efficiency and reduce the overall cost of care.
  • New Product Launches to Watch
    New and early-stage hip and knee product launches for both large and mid-tier Joint Replacement Market players will drive revenue growth.

Just click the button below to download and read the complete "Total Joints 2024 Trends to Watch" market outlook article and analysis by Lisa Mahan, SmartTRAK's VP Product Development & IT, Sr. Analyst TJ&E. Read the Article
SmartTRAK
is the Medtech industry’s only global Insights-as-a-Service solution for the Orthopedics, Wound Care, Regenerative Medicine and Neuro Therapy markets. SmartTRAK’s propriety methodology turns disparate data from hundreds of sources into powerful insights customers can rely on as the trusted source for strategic decision-making. The SmartTRAK enterprise platform includes rich daily updates, comprehensive market coverage and simple-to-use tools and dashboards for market, product and financial analysis. Customers leveraging the SmartTRAK platform also have direct access to market experts for inquiries and advisory services. If you would like a demo of what SmartTRAK offers and how we can help increase proficiency, improve productivity and reduce costs for your company, just click here.
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2 min read

Combating Biofilms at Every Stage of Wound Care: An Interview w/ Hybrisan CEO Chris Mortimer

By Kris Flinn on 1/17/24 11:33 AM

SmartTRAK talks with Hybrisan CEO Dr. Mortimer to discuss the challenge of biofilms and the Company’s journey to bring its WoundSan technology to market.

The AWC Summit, held biannually, brings together established companies, start-ups, research organizations and various industry stakeholders. SmartTRAK previously covered the US event in July 2023 in Boston, MA, focusing on advancing the commercialization of new technologies in wound care, and was in London, UK to cover the EU Summit

A regular feature of the Advanced Wound Care (AWC) Summit is the Innovation Showcase. At the event in London, six companies took turns pitching their technologies, with the delegates voting to award one company as the winner.
Following the vote, the winning organization was announced as Hybrisan. SmartTRAK talked with Hybrisan CEO Dr. Mortimer to discuss its Woundsan technology and the challenge of combating biofilms in wound care. The interview can be viewed below and a transcript can be downloaded by clicking the button:

 

Download the Transcript
Future Events

The next AWC Summit will be the US edition and will take place in Boston, MA on the 16thand 17thof April, 2024. SmartTRAKwill be in attendance and will be discussing the latest insights within wound care. More information on the event is available  here. The next European event is planned for late 2024, with details to follow.

Topics: Wound Care
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4 min read

AWC Summit EU 2023: European and US Growth Explored in London

By Kris Flinn on 1/15/24 3:40 PM

SmartTRAK joined industry colleagues in London to explore new technologies at an exciting time in wound care.

SmartTRAK has determined the 2022 European Advanced Wound Care (AWC) Market grew at a +4.4% rate compared to 2021. AWC in Europe is dominated by Advanced Dressings, with Wound Biologics and External Devices only accounting for 18.6% of total revenue. This is in stark comparison with the US AWC Market in which highly-priced treatments such as Wound Biologics (44.4% share in US) and External Devices (28.4%) have favorable reimbursement levels. SmartTRAK forecasts both markets to benefit from healthy growth in the next five years despite some looming reimbursement challenges. In the US, Medicare Administrative Contractor LCD changes to skin substitutes (as featured in this article) could lead to reduced usage of the products in the hospital outpatient and physician office sites of care, and in Germany reimbursement on silver products is due to end in late 2024.
 
At the event in London, contributors discussed areas as varied as adapting to home care and remote monitoring, launching products in the US and keeping up with the changing European regulatory landscape as the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) replaces the old Medical Device Directive (MDD). SmartTRAK was present and Lennart Stadler, SmartTRAK GM and OUS Sr. Analyst, Wound, presented the latest market insights from the global AWC space, including an overview of the recent corporate activity (Figure 1).

The session that generated the greatest discussion was titled  “Investment 101.”   Asif Shahinsha from PharmaVentures , Pierre Socha from  Amadeus Capital Partners  and Gabor Heltovics from   NLC Health Ventures  discussed the best approaches toward fundraising and which companies have been successful. 

A regular feature of the AWC Summit is the Innovation Showcase. At the event in London, six companies took turns pitching their technologies, with the delegates voting to award one company as the winner.  The companies were:
 

The Innovation Showcase

At the event in London, six companies took turns pitching their technologies, with the delegates voting to award one company as the winner. The companies were:

  • Amferia– a Swedish company that is developing antimicrobial peptides for use in a variety of applications and carriers. The Company has made an FDA submission and is currently operating within the veterinary market.
  • Healthy.io– an Israeli digital organization that has launched Minuteful for Wound. The app is being used widely in the UK and has shown positive impacts on treatment, such as a 33% reduction in antimicrobial usage.
  • Hybrisan– a Welsh medtech product development company that has an antibiofilm technology called WoundSan. The solution can be used alongside existing antimicrobials such as silver and the company is in discussions with potential commercial partners.
  • Plasma4– a British cold plasma company spun out from the University of Lancaster. The product applies the treatment through a dressing.
  • SmartWound– a British biophysical chemistry company that has developed infection-sensing technologies within dressings or via a swab. The Company believes the test can be undertaken for around $6, making it less expensive than other alternatives.
  • SolasCure– this UK-based business has been visible on the market for a few years with its enzymatic debridement technology, Aurase. The product is moving towards its IIb clinical study and is unlikely to reach the market before 2028.
Following the vote, the winning organization was announced as Hybrisan. SmartTRAK talked with Hybrisan CEO Dr. Chris Mortimer to discuss the challenge of biofilms and the company’s journey to bring its WoundSan technology to market.

That interview, titled "Combating Biofilms at Every Stage of Wound Care," is featured in this post on the SmartTRAK blog.

To download and read the "AWC Summit EU 2023: European and US Growth Explored in London" article by Kris Flinn, SmartTRAK Sr. Analyst, Wound, just click the button below. Read the Article
 
Topics: Wound Care
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2 min read

Reimagine Wound Care Possibilities at CAMPS 2024

By SmartTRAK on 1/12/24 9:30 AM



MIAMI, FLORIDA — We are thrilled to announce that SmartTRAK's Susan Paquette, VP of Wound Care, will be speaking at the inaugural Cellular, Acellular and Matrix-like Products (CAMPs) Wound Care Summit 2024, set to take place on March 13-14 in the vibrant city of Miami. This two-day clinical and scientific summit aims to empower physicians and wound care professionals to achieve optimal outcomes, strategize for regulatory approval, and navigate reimbursement processes for CAMPs.

Topics: Wound Care
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7 min read

What’s New in Neuromodulation? News to Know Before NANS 2024

By Anne Staylor on 1/9/24 9:30 AM

The North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024 and is once again bringing together the leading clinicians, researchers and manufacturers to Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas for the NANS 2024 Annual Meeting, to be held January 18-21. To get you up to speed before the meeting, SmartTRAK has put together highlights of recent neuromodulation news. The following is just a small sampling of recent Neuromodulation-related news and updates from around the world compiled, reviewed and posted in real-time every day by the expert analysts at SmartTRAK.

SmartTRAK will be attending NANS 2024 from January 18-21. If you'd like to meet with us in person, please reach out to Anne Staylor, SmartTRAK’s Executive Editor and VP & GM, Neuro Therapies, at anne.staylor@smarttrak.com, or just click the button below. Meet with SmartTRAK

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2 min read

Sports Medicine and Extremities Start-Ups to Watch

By Sharon O'Reilly on 1/3/24 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK highlights start-ups developing innovative products for joint resurfacing, soft tissue fixation, ligament and tendon augmentation at the 2023 MNVC.

Sports medicine and extremities were prominent themes at the 21st Annual Musculoskeletal New Ventures Conference (MNVC) held in Memphis in November 2023. Approximately one-third of the 38 presenting companies debuted new and innovative technologies for treating sports-related injuries of the knee, shoulder, hand, foot & ankle ranging from soft tissue fixation, ligament and tendon augmentation and cartilage resurfacing. Now that investment in robotics and surgical navigation craze has peaked, major orthopedic manufacturers are directing research and development (R&D) dollars toward restoring joint function using biological approaches and a variety of less invasive techniques. 

Among the topics covered in this market outlook article are:

  • Promising Knee and Shoulder Start-Ups
  • Extremity Fixation: An Emerging Market
  • Resurgence in Joint Resurfacing

A fertile ground for strategic negotiations and deal-making, several of the major players have broadened their range of products through strategic tuck-in acquisitions in the past year. Also, several start-ups are targeting the multi-billion dollar Soft Tissue Fixation market.  This landscape reflects a dynamic and competitive environment where established players seek to strengthen their positions through ...

To download and read the complete "Sports Medicine and Extremities Start-Ups to Watch" market outlook article by Sharon O'Reilly, SmartTRAK's Founder and CEO, just click the button below. Read the Article

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2 min read

Plastic Surgery: The Meeting 2023 in Austin, TX

By Doug Devens on 12/19/23 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK attended key sessions on ADM use and reports on the latest trends impacting the US Breast Matrices Market.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and various manufacturers continue to pursue IDEs to gain an indication to use an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in breast reconstruction. At Plastic Surgery: The Meeting 2023 (PSTM2023), held in Austin, TX, SmartTRAK attended key sessions on ADM use and reports on the latest trends affecting the market for ADMs.

In this article, SmartTRAK discusses the evolution and growth of ADMs and shares observations from the meeting across primarily two sessions covering breast reconstruction: They are:

  • “Support Group: A Mesh For Each Patient and Getting Away Without It”
  • “Back to the Future: Moving Forward or Going Back with Pre and Subpectoral Reconstruction.”

Just click the button below to download and read the complete detailed "Plastic Surgery: The Meeting 2023" article by Doug Devens, SmartTRAK's IT Product Director and Sr Analyst, Wound. Read the Article

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2 min read

SAWC Fall 2023: Skin Substitutes Reign Again

By Susan Paquette on 12/12/23 9:30 AM

Over the last 10+ years, the market for skin substitutes has been turbulent with new technologies and products being launched and reimbursement changes occurring for the various sites of care. SmartTRAK highlights a few of these based on the recent SAWC Fall meeting.

Skin substitutes, also referred to as CTPs (cellular and/or tissue-based products) or CAMPs (cellular, acellular and matrix‑like products), remained front and center at the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Fall meeting held in Las Vegas on November 2-5, 2023. The strong presence of these products mirrors a similar trend in the overall US Advanced Wound Care (AWC) market. For Q323, skin substitutes alone account for 37% of the US AWC market, more than Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) or Advanced Dressings, according to an analysis of SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard.

In this article, SmartTRAK discusses in detail:

  • The Migration of Skin Substitutes Over the Years
  • Which Synthetics are Gaining Attention
  • New Companies–Unique Technology and Innovations
  • Health Policy Dynamics–Reimbursement and Advocacy
  • The Future of US-Based AWC Companies
  • The Potential for Acquisitions on the Horizon

To download and read the complete detailed "SAWC Fall 2023: Skin Substitutes Reign Again" article by SmartTRAK's Susan Paquette, VP & General Manager, Wound and Terry Hayslett, Sr. Analyst, Wound, just click the button below. Read the Article

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2 min read

Trends, Advancing Technologies and New Deals Shaping the Future of Spine: NASS 2023

By Kris Jacques on 12/5/23 9:45 AM

SmartTRAK was on-site at NASS 2023 covering the latest spine trends including hosting the hottest reception in town, “Targeting the ASC, What Spine Companies Need to Know."

Shifting hospital-based procedures to the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) is one of the biggest opportunities for healthcare savings and the opportunity is especially great for spine given its high acuity procedures like lateral lumbar fusions, 360 fusions and total disc replacements (TDRs) according to the results of SmartTRAK’s recent survey of 30 ortho, spine and neurosurgeons. At this year’s North American Society (NASS) Annual Meeting held in Los Angeles, CA October 18-21, SmartTRAK hosted a standing-room-only reception for industry on the migration of spine procedures into the ASC titled “Targeting the ASC: What Manufacturers Need to Know,” which included panel discussions and presentations focused on the spine market and practice trends. In this article, SmartTRAK highlights the top takeaways from the reception and identifies the latest trends and innovations at NASS affecting growth in the US Spine Market. Topics covered in the article include:

  • New Care Models Optimizing Outpatient Spine
  • The Motion Preservation “Renaissance” was Hard to Miss
  • MIS SI Joint Fusion Systems – A Plethora of Systems, New Devices Launching Ahead of 2024 Reimbursement Changes.
  • Will New Interbody Technologies Displace the Need for Biologics?
  • Deals Abound: Several Biologics Deals Announced at NASS and After

To download and read the complete "NASS 2023: Trends, Advancing Technologies and New Deals Shaping the Future of Spine" article by Kris Jacques,  SmartTRAK's GM, Spine, just click the button below. Read the Article

Topics: Spine
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2 min read

BREAKING NEWS - Nevro Acquires VYRSA Technologies

By Anne Staylor on 12/1/23 1:49 PM

Nevro* (NVRO) announced it acquired VYRSA Technologies*, a privately held company focused on the minimally invasive treatment of chronic sacroiliac joint (SI Joint) pain. According to the Company, VYRSA is the only SI joint company that manufactures and supports a complete portfolio of FDA-cleared, state-of-the-art SI joint fusion devices. The acquisition was signed and closed on Nov 30, 2023. 

NVRO paid $40MM at closing and agreed to pay up to an additional $35MM in cash or stock tied to milestones. NVRO CEO Kevin Thornal said VYRSA offers differentiated implants to the Company’s current call point of physicians and will help drive company growth, adding that the technology will help bring long-term pain relief to the 15-30% of people suffering with chronic low back pain associated with the SI joint.

The US MIS SI Joint Fusion Market is the fastest-growing segment in the US Spine Market and a growing number of pain physicians are performing these procedures. According to SmartTRAK’s recently published 2023 US MIS SI Joint Market Report, this market is projected to grow at +18% CAGR over the next five years and 53+ MIS SI Joint Fusion systems are now commercially available in the US. See 2023 MIS SI Joint Fusion Market Report*.

The Company also announced the closing of a six-year, $200MM term loan credit facility to be used to repurchase the majority of its 2025 Convertible Notes and for working capital and other corporate purposes. NVRO CFO Rod MacLeod noted that the Company was pleased to refinance a majority of its debt and push the maturity out to 2029 while limiting equity dilution to 2.6MM warrant shares. 

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2 min read

US MIS SI Joint Fusion Market: Unlocking the Future of Spine

By Kris Jacques on 11/28/23 9:49 AM

Ready to dive into one of the most rapidly expanding markets in the world of Spine? Welcome to the realm of SI Joint Fusion, a market poised for remarkable growth with a projected 5-year CAGR of +18%. At SmartTRAK, we’re excited to introduce you to this thriving sector and give you a sneak peek of our forthcoming in-depth market segment solution subscription.

Outlined below is a brief list highlighting some of the key insights awaiting you upon subscribing to SmartTRAK's innovative solution and the valuable knowledge it delivers:

  • Market Overview (US only/MIS market only):
    - Incidence and Prevalence: Understand the scale of SI Joint Fusion cases.
    - Market Size: Explore the market's current size and potential.
    - Revenue/Procedure Forecast through 2027: Take a look at expected future growth by market segments; transfixing and non-transfixing.
    - Growth Trends: Stay ahead with insights into emerging trends.
  • Competitive Landscape:
    - By System Type: Discover the differences between Transfixing and Non-transfixing.
    - 2022 ASP Data Summary: Gain access to crucial pricing information.
  • National/Regional Site of Service Procedure Volume Data:
    - HOPD vs ASC vs. Inpatient: Know where these procedures are performed.     - Annual Trends from 2017: Track the historical data for insights. 
  • Coding & Reimbursement - 2024 Outlook:
    - Anticipate changes in coding and reimbursement for the coming year.
  • Why MIS SIJ Fusion Matters:
    Within the vast Spine landscape, the Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) SI Joint Fusion procedure category is the star of the show. Here's why:
    - Growing Awareness and Diagnosis: More individuals are recognizing SI joint pain as a significant issue.
    - Robust Clinical Data: The body of clinical evidence is expanding.
    - Increasing Reimbursement Coding: Hospitals, HOPDs, ASCs and Physician's offices.
  • The Future of MIS SI Joint Fusion:
    Acceptance of the posterior/dorsal non-transfixing MIS SI fusion approach is on the rise. This process is set to drive procedural growth and popularity, particularly among interventional pain physicians at Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs).

So are you ready to dive into one of the most rapidly expanding markets in the world of Spine? Don’t miss your chance to stay ahead of the curve in the booming world of SI Joint Fusion and Be The Expert! Just click the button below to find out more. Be The Expert!

Topics: Top Story Spine
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2 min read

Impact of Medicare Administrative Contractor LCD Changes on Skin Substitute/CTP Market

By Susan Paquette on 11/21/23 9:30 AM

Three MACs rocked the Skin Substitute/CTP market with changes in coverage in their final LCDs implemented in September. SmartTRAK takes a look at the overall impact on the market.

SmartTRAK has covered the highly active, ever-growing Skin Substitute/CTP market for over ten years. During that time, the market has grown at a CAGR of over +13%. Most years it experienced strong double-digit growth except those years impacted by reimbursement changes, Department of Justice (DOJ) investigations or the COVID-19 pandemic. Skin Substitute/CTPs are primarily used on Medicare patients with non-healing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and venous leg ulcers (VLUs). The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) primarily pays for health care services for people aged 65 and older. Individuals can receive health care benefits via traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage, which is run by private health insurance plans. Traditional Medicare contracts with Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to process claims for reimbursement and write local coverage determinations (LCDs). Currently, there are twelve regions in the US managed by seven MACs.

Among the topics covered in this extensive article are:

  • Key Policy Changes
  • Impact on Patients
  • Market Impact

On August 3, 2023, three MACs issued final LCDs governing the use of Skin Substitutes/CTPs in treating DFUs and VLUs. The release of the final LCDs, which are effective September 17, 2023, was not surprising to the market, given that the proposed LCDs were issued in 2022. The proposed LCDs allowed ...

To download and read the complete "Impact of Medicare Administrative Contractor LCD Changes on Skin Substitute/CTP Market" article by Susan Paquette, SmartTRAK's VP & General Manager, Wound and Terry Hayslett, Sr. Analyst, Wound just click the button below.Be The Expert!

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2 min read

SmartTRAK Experts Take the Stage at MNVC 2023

By Thomas Wallick on 11/14/23 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK's Elise Wolf, Vice President and General Manager of Orthopedics, Digital and Quality, along with Beth Roach, Director, Data Strategy, will be discussing new trends in Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC) and effective targeting strategies at the 2023 Musculoskeletal New Ventures Conference (MNVC) on Nov 14-15 at the FedEx Institute of Technology in Memphis, TN. They will also delve into a detailed case study on ASC builds. Their presentation is titled "Targeting the ASC: Essential Knowledge for Orthopedic Companies." Make sure you don’t miss out on Elise and Beth's expert insights!

Topics: Orthopedics
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3 min read

The Future of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine: SmartTRAK at UIP 2023

By Terry Hayslett on 11/6/23 5:01 PM

At the 20th World Congress of the International Union of Phlebology, SmartTRAK identifies market developments that will impact the treatment of venous and lymphatic diseases now and in the future.

The American Vein and Lymphatic Society recently hosted the 20th World Congress of the International Union of Phlebology (UIP 2023) in Miami Beach, FL. The Congress drew clinicians from around the world to discuss the latest advances in venous and lymphatic medicine. While the Congress covered many interesting topics, SmartTRAK noted market developments that will impact the treatment of venous and lymphatic diseases now and in the future. In this article, SmartTRAK explores the impact that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reimbursement cuts are having on physicians treating venous and lymphatic diseases, examines how clinicians and industry are responding to the proposed Medicare coverage of lymphedema treatment items and evaluates what’s on the horizon for emerging technologies. 

This downloadable article, discussing the market developments that will impact the treatment of venous and lymphatic diseases now and in the future, delves into many compelling topics, including:

Physician Payment Cuts
The American Medical Association reported that between 2001 and 2023, the cost of operating a medical practice increased by 47%, while physician payment rates increased by only 9%. When adjusted for inflation, the rates have gone down by 26%. Dr. John Blebea, Vascular Surgeon and Clinical Professor of Surgery at Central Michigan University, underscored this point with a presentation titled “The Effect of Medicare Physician Reimbursement Cuts on Office-Based Practices.” Dr. Blebea noted that ...

New Medicare Coverage of Lymphedema Treatment Items
Medicare currently provides Durable Medical Equipment (DME) coverage or authorizes payment for certain compression items when used to treat venous stasis ulcers. However, Medicare does not provide coverage for many of the same items when they are used to treat lymphedema. This dynamic provides a great case study of the effectiveness of advocacy in calling for ...

Emerging Technologies
If innovation fuels growth in the med tech industry, then the number of sessions on emerging technologies at UIP 2023 should mean that the future is bright for venous and lymphatic medicine. Dr. Steve Elias, Director, Center for Vein Disease, Englewood Health Network, hosted several sessions on emerging innovations in thrombectomy, sclerotherapy, artificial intelligence (AI)-guided imaging, intravascular ultrasound and compression therapy. SmartTRAK has covered the Compression Therapy Market since 2015 and has watched ...

To download and read the complete article about The Future of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine by Terry Hayslett, SmartTRAK Senior Analyst, Advanced Wound Care, just click the button below.Read the Article

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3 min read

Anika's Expanding Shoulder Preservation Solutions

By Lisa Mahan on 10/31/23 9:33 AM

Anika’s President and CEO Cheryl Blanchard, Ph.D., discusses the Company’s expanding portfolio of shoulder preservation solutions

Anika Therapeutics entered the Reverse Shoulder Market this year with the US market release of the RevoMotion Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty System, expanding their complement of products for shoulder joint preservation and replacement. This new offering allows the Company to compete in the rapidly growing US Market for Reverse Shoulders. Lisa Mahan, SmartTRAK Senior Analyst Total Joints & Extremities, talked with Cheryl Blanchard, PhD, President and CEO of Anika, to discuss the launch of RevoMotion, along with the X-Twist Fixation System, Integrity Patch System, Cingal next generation OA injectable and Tactoset Injectable Bone Substitute.
 
The Interview
 

SmartTRAK: RevoMotion has been out almost nine months now in limited release and you just went to full market release. Congratulations. How is that going?

Cheryl Blanchard: Thank you! Anika announced the full market release of the RevoMotion Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty System (RSA) during the 2023 Orthopaedic Summit (OSET) Annual Meeting September 20-23 in Boston, MA and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

We began the limited launch in January 2023 and have performed over 100 cases since then. The feedback we received and the response during the limited market release was impressive as some of the first patients in have already returned to their surgeons and asked for the same implant to be placed in their other shoulder. To have patients far enough into recovery to want the RevoMotion RSA in their other shoulder says a lot about the system and its future success. The limited release allowed us to collect feedback to better optimize the instrumentation and surgical technique for the full market release as well. Though we finished gathering feedback months ago, manufacturing instrument sets and system components takes time. That brought us right to our full market release during OSET in September.

We know that the reverse shoulder market is a crowded space. Given that probably 80% of the market is reverse shoulders, for Anika we knew we had something incredible to offer clinicians and patients based on the historic Arthrosurface design philosophies focused on bone sparing, motion preservation and anatomic design features. We also knew that with the data-backed and trusted OVOMotion with Inlay Glenoid Total Shoulder Arthroplasty System, it would be difficult to penetrate the full shoulder arthroplasty market without having a reverse option.

Additionally, there is a big shift of a lot of these products and procedures into the ASC setting. We will possibly see even more products coming into the ASC when CMS changes how they reimburse and we realized that there was a real opportunity to provide optimized instrument trays that would reduce the operating room footprint. RevoMotion has a two-tray instrumentation system that is very streamlined. The surgical technique is also very streamlined. We're hearing great feedback on it and we're excited to be in full market release coming into the fourth quarter.

That's wonderful. You mentioned the instrument trays and some of the design. If there was one thing that differentiates RevoMotion from other reverse shoulders on the market, what would you say that is?

CB:We believe and continue to hear feedback from surgeon users that having the smallest threaded glenoid base plate on the market is one of the biggest differentiators. Personally, I didn't understand the true significance of that until I started to speak directly with surgeons who had used the system. Listening to real-time feedback and observing in the OR, you realize it's a major benefit as it provides...

To download and read the complete transcript of the interview with Anika’s President & CEO Cheryl Blanchard conducted by Lisa Mahan, VP Product Development & IT, Sr. Analyst TJ&E, just click the button below. Download the Transcript

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4 min read

SmartTRAK Announces Software Advancements & Launches Insights Reports for Emerging Orthopedic/Spine and Wound Medtech Markets

By Gabriele Nichols on 10/18/23 10:15 AM

New SaaS technology offering delivers competitive advantage in rapidly changing Ambulatory Surgery Center market.

SmartTRAK, the leading global Medtech business and market software intelligence solution in the Orthopedics, Wound Care, Regenerative Medicine and Neuro Therapy markets, announces the release of enhanced software products and strategic reports available for purchase in Q4 to help clients position themselves for growth in 2024 and beyond.

Powered by industry experts and data analysts, SmartTRAK's Insights-as-a-Service platform is the Medtech industry's only "all-in-one" solution that delivers market insights and business intelligence via an intuitive SaaS platform. Designed to reduce the redundancies in market research, SmartTRAK compiles and curates insights from hundreds of disparate information sources into its highly valued SmartTRAK Daily Updates, comprehensive market overviews and simple-to-use tools and dashboards for market, product and financial analysis.

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1 min read

Trends Potentially Impacting the Total Joints Market: A Flash Report

By Lisa Mahan on 10/18/23 8:03 AM

SmartTRAK takes a quick look at recent trends that may influence the Total Joints Market in the near and long term

Wall Street Analysts recently called out two trends specifically that could influence the Total Joints Market. One trend, the strengthening of the US dollar, is likely to impact the global market in 2024. Another trend is the increased prescribing of GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Byetta and Mounjaro, medications first used to treat Type 2 diabetes, as a treatment for obesity. This has the potential to impact the market down the road. In this downloadable article, SmartTRAK maps out the potential impact of these trends.

To download and read the complete article by SmartTRAK's Lisa Mahan, Product Development & IT, Sr. Analyst TJ&E, just click the button below. Read the Article

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3 min read

Medtronic: Expanding Access to Neurovascular Interventions

By Anne Staylor on 10/17/23 9:30 AM

Medtronic Neurovascular President Dan Volz discusses expanding patient access to neurovascular therapies through innovation and globalization in an interview with SmartTRAK.

Medtronic Neurovascular President Dan Volz discusses innovation, globalization and the Company’s plans to double the number of neurovascular patients treated annually in three years in an interview with SmartTRAK. Volz said the Company is driving growth in Neurovascular through innovative business models and strategic investments in remote connectivity and the Medtronic Neurovascular Co-Lab Platform, a novel incubator designed to accelerate innovation in stroke care and treatment. To find out more about the Company and its latest innovations, click on the video to listen to the full interview (27:30 min). To download a transcript of the complete interview, just click the button below.

 

Anne Staylor here with SmartTRAK. Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Dan Volz, president of Medtronic Neurovascular. Dan, thank you for speaking with me today.

Dan Volz: It's my pleasure. It's good to talk to you.

I haven't talked to you for a while and I was hoping to catch up with you at SNIS when it was here in San Diego. Now that we are talking, let's just start broadly and talk from your perspective, what's important for us to know about Medtronic Neurovascular and what are your top priorities for fiscal year 2024?

DV: It's good to see you and I'm sorry that I missed you down in San Diego. That was a pretty quick up and back for me, but for us obviously it's about the patients and we had a pretty important milestone in 2022. In a 12-month period we helped treat 250,000 people, so that was a great celebration for us as a business. But I think even more importantly, it kicked off our strategic planning process to double that number in three years. And so everything that we do is centered on how do we drive toward that number? And there's a lot that goes into that, but it starts with obviously innovation and how are we innovating in our portfolio? What are we doing organically and what are we looking at inorganically to drive toward that number? And you know these statistics as well as anyone, there's 15 million strokes and we only treat five to 600,000 of them a year ...

To download and read the transcript of the complete interview with Dan Volz, president of Medtronic Neurovascular, by SmartTRAK's Anne Staylor, Executive Editor, VP & GM of Neuro Therapies, just clickthe button below. Download the Transcript

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2 min read

Kerecis and the Road to Success: An Interview with CEO Fertram Sigurjonsson

By Susan Paquette on 10/6/23 2:56 PM

Fertram Sigurjonsson, CEO of Kerecis, discusses the recent acquisition, how the Company has evolved over the last decade and key milestones along its “Road to Success” in an interview with SmartTRAK.

Topics: Wound Care
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2 min read

EPUAP 2023 – Prevention Proves Better than Cure for European Dressing Companies

By Anikó Szekér on 10/3/23 9:45 AM

Increasing acceptance of diagnostics, as well as the repositioning of existing technologies, could help drive growth in European wound care.

Pressure injuries are globally accepted as a major healthcare challenge. SmartTRAK estimates there were 10.2MM pressure ulcers in Europe in 2022, with 4.0MM being stage III or IV. At the 23rd European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) meeting recently held in Leeds, UK, the main focus of the meeting was on diagnosing and treating the more challenging stage III/IV pressure ulcers. In this downloadable article SmartTRAK explores how diagnostics continues to be a major driver of innovation within the space and how companies and products previously focused on treatment are now firmly positioning themselves within the prevention space, where SmartTRAK will soon offer brand-new insights.

Among the many topics covered in the article are:

  • Diagnostics
    The perception of diagnostic tools within European wound care appears to be evolving. Previously, they had been viewed as aspirational but unaffordable luxuries, but are now becoming ...

  • Wound Treatments
    There was a distinct lack of new technologies for the treatment of pressure injuries on display in the exhibition, with existing dressings and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) being the main solutions on stands. New treatment solutions were ...

  • Dressings for Pressure Injury Prevention
    Historically, clinicians have used dressings designed for managing open wounds as a method of pressure injury prevention. In the last decade, more and more dressings companies have been recognizing the possibilities offered within this market. Published evidence suggests ...

    To download and read the complete "Prevention Proves Better than Cure for European Dressing Companies" perspective article by SmartTRAK's  Aniko Szeker, Sr Analyst, Wound and Kris Finn, Sr Analyst, Wound, please click the button below. Read the Article
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2 min read

AWC Summit 2023: Big Deals and Bright Ideas Drive Excitement

By Kris Flinn on 9/26/23 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK joined industry colleagues in Boston to explore new technologies at an exciting time in wound care.

SmartTRAK forecasts that the WW Advanced Wound Care (AWC) market will grow at a five-year CAGR of +5.3%. The acquisition of Kerecis by Coloplast highlights the value of successful products within the market. In Boston, MA, the week following the announcement of the Kerecis deal, stakeholders, including manufacturers and investors met at the Advanced Wound Care Summit (AWC Summit), an industry-led forum featuring insights from leading experts on the latest trends and innovations in wound care, with a focus on earlier-stage products and technologies. In this downloadable article, SmartTRAK provides an overview of the meeting and highlights companies that participated in the Innovation Showcase, a competition that features the most cutting-edge products or technologies. Also featured is SmartTRAK’s interview with Suzanne Moloney, Founder and CEO at HidraMed Solutions, the company that won the showcase. In this interview , Ms Maloney discusses HS and the Company’s journey to bring this technology to market. Click the video below to see the interview. A transcript of the interview is also provided in the article.
 


The Advanced Wound Care Summit EU 2024
The next AWC Summit will be the European edition and will take place in London, UK on the 28th and 29th of November. SmartTRAK will be in attendance and will be presenting the latest insights within wound care. More information on the event is available here.

Topics: Wound Care
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3 min read

SNIS 2023: New Frontiers in Stroke Care: An Interview with J Mocco, MD

By Anne Staylor on 9/19/23 9:45 AM

SNIS President J Mocco, MD, discusses emerging technologies and new frontiers in neurointervention in an interview with SmartTRAK.

J Mocco, MD, President of the Society of Neurointerventional Surgery (SNIS), discusses the latest research and innovation in stroke care in an interview with SmartTRAK at the 20thAnnual Meeting of the SNIS recently held in San Diego, CA. To find out more regarding important research, emerging technologies and new frontiers in stroke care, listen to the following video. (27:12 min). A complete transcript of the interview can be downloaded below.


SmartTRAK: Hi, this is Anne Staylor with SmartTRAK. Today I'm covering the Society of Neurointerventional Surgery annual meeting here in San Diego, and I have the pleasure of speaking to J Mocco, MD, president of the SNIS. Dr. Mocco, thank you for talking with me today.

J Mocco, MD: Thank you very much for having me.

Well, this year I felt a lot of energy and vibrancy at the meeting, particularly when I walked into the exhibit hall, which is nice after some of the years we've had with COVID. One of the things I wanted to ask you is what are some of the exciting research studies at SNIS this year? Maybe you could just highlight some of the key research that is presented here at the meeting.

JM: 
Absolutely. I have to say this year was truly spectacular. The depth and breadth of new and exciting research and reports on technology and studies. This year we saw presentations on completely new technologies to treat brain aneurysms, multiple leap forwards in technologies to better remove clots from brains and cure people with stroke. Had very robust discussions on systems of care and how best to evaluate stroke patients. Is the current standard adequate? Should we have different methods of evaluating patient success? They're just examples of the really amazing things that are happening in this space in general, and particularly ...

To download the complete transcript of the interview with J Mocco, MD, President of SNIS, conducted by Anne Staylor, SmartTRAK Executive Editor, VP & GM of Neuro Therapies, just click the button below.Download the Transcript

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1 min read

Biologics in Sports Medicine - Key Takeaways from the 2023 AOSSM Meeting (Part 2)

By Kim French on 9/12/23 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK highlights key takeaways from the 2023 AOSSM Meeting

As the number of patients seeking treatment for musculoskeletal conditions increases, the orthobiologic market continues to grow, resulting in physicians and companies offering more innovative treatment options. At the 2023 American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Annual Meeting in Washington, biological healing was a hot topic. In this article, SmartTRAKidentifies the latest market developments and innovations that will drive growth in the market for sports medicine-related orthobiologics.

This article is Part Two in a two-part series highlighting the key takeaways from this meeting. To download and read Part One, click Biologics in Musculoskeletal Medicine.

To download Part Two of the series "Biologics in Musculoskeletal Medicine," by Kimberly French, SmartTRAK's GM, Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine, just click the button below.Download the Article

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2 min read

Modeling the Cost-Effectiveness of Pressure Injury Prevention

By Anikó Szekér on 9/5/23 9:45 AM

Csaba Dózsa, habil PhD MSc, Health Economist, discusses his model for cost-effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries in an interview with SmartTRAK.

In this interview, Prof. Dózsa unveils his groundbreaking pressure injury (PI) prevention costing model. With a 20-year background in health economics, he embarked on this journey from Hungary's National Health Insurance Fund. His expertise shaped the German DRG point system locally and steered home care development. Establishing Med-Econ Ltd., he delved into diverse health economic studies, culminating in a sophisticated, non-linear model for PI prevention costs.

The model's complexity stems from recognizing intricate healthcare inputs and outcomes. It calculates annual PI costs across scenarios: implementing preventive care bundles with or without multi-layer dressings, and treatment-only approaches. Designed as a calculation framework, it showcases the efficacy of preventive wound care.

Among the many questions answered by Prof, Dózsa in this interview are:

  • Can this model be used in any health and political environment?
  • How does the use of this model affect a hospital's use of dressings?
  • How would you describe the cost structure of prevention and treatment?
  • Can this model and its outcome lead to systemic changes?
  • How long would it take a hospital or hospital system to adapt the model to their data?
  • Can this model be used equally in the case of higher-risk patients, older patients or in hospitals that see proportionally more of these patients?

The interview, conducted by Anikó Szekér, SmartTRAK Senior Analyst, Wound Care, offers insights into Prof. Dózsa's journey and his PI prevention costing model's potential. To download a complete transcript of the interview, just click the button below.Download the Transcript


Topics: Wound Care
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2 min read

ASPN 2023: Advancements in Interventional Pain Treatment

By Shelly Caruso on 8/28/23 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK was on-site at ASPN 2023 covering industry-sponsored RCT updates and data reveals, as well as new players and trends in the interventional pain space.

As the number of patients suffering from chronic pain increases, the interventional pain market continues to grow. Physicians and device developers are rising to the challenge by offering more personalized pain treatment options for an expanding list of indications. As a result, new differentiators for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) players have emerged, as well as newcomers in the peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) market. Beyond neuromodulation, minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) spine procedures, sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion and regenerative medicine products also provide innovative solutions for chronic pain management. In this interesting article, SmartTRAK highlights the newest data, innovation and market developments at the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) 2023 Annual Meeting held in Miami, FL.

Among the many topics discussed in comprehensive detail in this article, which can be downloaded here, are:

  • SCS Sees Cutthroat Competition
    • MRI Compatibility and Closed-Loop SCS
    • Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN)
    • Artificial Intelligence, Programming Solutions and Remote Monitoring
  • Expanding Horizons in PNS
    • Types of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
    • Outcomes, Comfort and Wearability for Externally-powered Devices
    • Injectrode Technology
  • What’s New in MIS Spine and SI Joint Fusion
    • Leveraging Enabling Technology for Pain Procedures
    • Innovations in MIS Spine and SI Joint Instrumentation
  • Scientific Focus on Biologics and Regenerative Medicine

To identify current and future trends in interventional pain management and PNS, SmartTRAK recently surveyed 30 interventional pain physicians, including 18 who perform PNS, to get an inside view of procedure trends, what treatments and devices they use and who they see as future winners in the chronic pain space. To purchase the results of this comprehensive survey, see SmartTRAK’s Trends in Interventional Pain Management and PNS.

To download a complimentary copy of the complete "ASPN 2023: Advancements in Interventional Pain Treatment" article, just click the button below. Download the ASPN 2023 Article

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2 min read

Biologics in Musculoskeletal Medicine

By Kim French on 8/18/23 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK highlights key takeaways from the 2023 Biologic Association Meeting

At the 2023 Annual Meeting in monumental Washington DC, the Biologic Association and the American Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) teamed up with American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) to spotlight the growing interest in and latest advancements of biologics in musculoskeletal medicine. Taking center stage and garnering attention was the idea of “biological healing” and the use of biologics in various conditions and at different points of a continuum of care.

Not surprisingly, the Biological Association focused more on autologous therapies, cell culturing and the next generation of biologics, while the AOSSM meeting explored the current use and growing trends of traditional orthobiologics in orthopedic applications. This article, which is downloadable here, is part one in a two-part series highlighting key takeaways from the Biologic Association meeting, including:

  • Biologic Association Key Takeaways
  • Rules of Engagement: Regulations and Needed Standards
    • “Same Surgical Procedure Exception” Guidance
    •  Standards for Autologous Orthobiologics
    • Driving Better Patient Outcomes
  • Current Use of Autologous Therapies and Next Generation of Biologics
    • Current Practice
    • Next Generation of Biologics
  • Notable Investigative Technologies

Although several biologics seem promising to treat musculoskeletal conditions, there is still an uphill battle for widespread use. Current challenges include ...

To download "Biologics in Musculoskeletal Medicine," Part One of the series of articles by Kimberly French, SmartTRAK's GM, Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine, just click the button below. Look for Part Two in this series, which will cover key takeaways from AOSSM, highlighting the current use of Orthobiologics and growing trends, in the coming weeks.Download the Article

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3 min read

Statera Medical: Smart Shoulder Implant - An Interview with Samuel Bourdon

By Nick Fitzpatrick on 8/11/23 11:46 AM

Samuel Bourdon, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Statera Medical discusses Statera Medical’s development of a smart shoulder implant.

In an interview withSmartTRAK,Samuel Bourdon, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Statera Medical, discusses how Statera Medical came to be, why their focused on creating a smart implant for the shoulder arthroplasty market and where he sees the Company going in the future.

To find out more, including the design rationale behind Statera’s smart shoulder ecosystem and how Statera fits in the shoulder arthroplasty market, click on the following video to listen to the full interview (29:25). If you would like to download the complete transcript of the interview, click here.


SmartTRAK: Hey guys, this is Nick with SmartTRAK. I'm here with Samuel Bourdon, CEO and founder of Statera Medical. I appreciate you joining me this morning and doing this interview. Samuel, can you give us an introduction about your yourself and a brief background of your experience in the orthopedics industry?


Samuel Bourdon: I'm a mechanical engineer by training. I have worked in product development since 2012 and mostly in the aerospace and recreational product. And when I turned 30, I quit my job and decided to go back to school to do a full-time master degree in biomedical engineering. And then I managed to do a master in business administration part-time during the same period. So before Statera Medical I had no experience in orthopedic industry at all, so it's a first time for me.

That's definitely monumental. Why'd you switch from aerospace to biomedical?

SB: Yeah, I just hit a bigger why in my career and I wanted to put a human at the center of it, so that's what made me took that decision.

Where did you get your master's in biomed from?

SB: From Polytechnique Montreal. It's the same university I got my mechanical engineer degree.

Let's dive into the company that you founded, Statera Medical. So what was the inspiration behind founding Statera Medical, and what's your mission statement behind it?

SB: What happened is I met another engineer and an orthopedic surgeon, and it was really all about reducing complication rates and improving patient outcomes, which ultimately results in ...

To download the complete transcript of SmartTRAK's interview with Samuel Bourdon, the Co-Founder and CEO of Statera Medical, just click the button below. Download the Transcript

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2 min read

ArthroFree: The Surgical Camera for the Wireless Era

By Andy Knapik on 8/2/23 3:39 PM

In a joint interview with Eugene Malinskiy, founder and CEO of Lazurite, and orthopedic surgeon Dr James Voos, we discuss the world’s first wireless surgical camera, the Lazurite ArthroFree camera.

Eugene Malinskiy, the founder and CEO of Lazurite, and orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Voos discuss the technological and clinical benefits of the new ArthroFree camera, the world’s first fully wireless surgical camera, with Andy Knapik, SmartTRAK's Senior Analyst, Soft Tissue & Arthroscopic Technologies.

To learn more about Lazurite and the ArthroFree System, click the following video to watch the interview (27:05 min).  For more details, interview topics by timecode are provided below. To download a complete transcript of the interview, click here.

 

Interview Topics By Timecode

1:25 Background of Lazurite and the ArthroFree camera.

7:05 Surgeon impressions of the ArthroFree camera.

10:10 Camera integration, image quality, battery life, ergonomics.

16:05 How the camera connects to the monitor and image capture.

19:22 How do facilities react to purchasing the ArthroFree.

22:05 Uses of the ArthroFree camera.

To download the complete transcript of the interview with Eugene Malinskiy, the founder and CEO of Lazurite, and orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Voos, just click the button below. Download the Transcript

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9 min read

What's New in the Neurovascular Market

By Anne Staylor on 8/1/23 9:53 AM

SmartTRAK constantly monitors the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, new products, patents, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry. Contact Us if you'd like to learn how to receive these expert insights daily. Our users think it's the perfect way to start their day.

The following is just a small sampling of recent Neurovascular market updates from around the world compiled, reviewed and posted daily by our SmartTRAK analysts.

New Products:

  • ZOOM* - Imperative Care* 

    Imperative Care announced the completion of first cases using the recently FDA-cleared Zoom 88 Support catheter. One of the cases was an AIS patient with a tandem occlusion treated at Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, TN. SmartTRAK reported FDA clearance of the device on Jun 15.

  •  MicroPort NeuroTech announced in May 2023 that it has completed the first clinical implantation of its NUMEN Detachable Embolization Coil for neurovascular aneurysm treatment in both the UK and Ireland.

  • EOSolutions Launches Dr. Banner BGC

     EOSolutions announced the full commercial launch of its Dr. Banner, Balloon Guide Catheter (BGC), developed in collaboration with InNeuroCo. According to the Company, the BGC features a 0.091 ID, proximal stability, distal trackability and a compliant polyurethane balloon.

Patents:

  • phenox*

    phenox GmbH’s US Patent Application “Insertion System For Implants For Treatment Of Bifurcation Aneurysms” was published disclosing a Y-shaped tubular implant and Y-shaped insertion catheter for bifurcation aneurysm treatment. 20230233347

  • Aspiration Catheter with an Adjustable Tip

    The Univ of Toledo’s US Patent Application “Aspiration Catheter With An Adjustable Tip For The Intracranial Circulation” was published disclosing a neurovascular aspiration catheter with an adjustable tip controlled by pull wires. 20230233221

    Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK

Topics: Neurovascular
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2 min read

Fingers Crossed for a Market Recovery: Q123 Neuromodulation Market Recap

By Anne Staylor on 7/28/23 9:23 AM

Neuromodulation companies are keeping their fingers crossed that the positive growth in Q123 is a sign that market recovery is well underway.  

With three of the four top neuromodulation companies reporting high-single-digit (HSD) growth in Q123, manufacturers are keeping their fingers crossed that market recovery is well underway. The impact of COVID has lessened significantly and several manufacturers reported that near-term improvement in healthcare staffing levels and post-COVID demand helped drive strong underlying procedure volumes in Q123. Competitors are also seeing gains on new and differentiated product offerings and expanded indications.

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2 min read

CMS Proposed Rule Incentivizes Home Use of Disposable NPWT

By Terry Hayslett on 7/25/23 9:30 AM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) projects Medicare home health spending in the US will grow at an 8-year (2023-2031) CAGR of +8.6% compared to +7.4% for hospital expenditures. These projections help validate that healthcare services are shifting to the home care setting. The migration is driven by efforts to reduce costs, improve access and enhance the quality of care. Policymakers continue to manipulate reimbursement formulas to incentivize change. CMS recently released the CY 2024 Home Health Prospective Payment System (PPS) Proposed Rule that includes reimbursement policy revisions that could potentially increase the utilization of disposable negative pressure wound therapy (dNPWT) in the home health setting. This free downloadable article highlights:

  • The Trajectory of dNPWT,
  • Historical Challenges Associated with the Uptake in the Home Setting
  • Incremental Policy Efforts Designed to Mitigate Those Challenges
  • Billing Complexity Stalling Growth
  • Incremental Changes Show Progress
  • Impact of Proposed Policy Changes. 

With the establishment of a separate payment for the dNPWT and the relatively simpler billing processes, the proposed CMS changes are a net positive for manufacturers treating wounds in the home health setting. However, given the growing competition ...

To download the complete "CMS Proposed Rule Incentivizes Home Use of Disposable NPWT" perspective article by Terry Hayslett, SmartTRAK Senior Analyst, Advanced Wound Care, just click the button below. Download the Article

Topics: Wound Care
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2 min read

Healthy Growth: Q123 Trauma Market Recap

By Natasha Weeks on 7/24/23 9:28 AM

Strong returns in IM Nailing and a flurry of activity in the Pediatric space results in a healthy Q123 for the Trauma Market

The US Trauma Market grew +6.0% in Q123 fueled by new product adoption. While headwinds such as supply chain constraints, economic challenges and staffing shortages could darken the forecast, SmartTRAK expects the Trauma Market will not be as heavily impacted as its elective procedure counterparts and should continue to experience healthy growth through 2023 as many manufacturers note Q1 results are in line with pre-Covid historical trends.
 
Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK 's comprehensive Q123 Trauma Market Recap *  are:
  • Complete Q123 Trauma Market Overview
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
  • All Trauma Companies' News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Market Shares
  • IM Nailing Closes the Quarter on High with Solid Returns
  • New Regulatory Clearances Propel the Pediatric Trauma Segment:
    • OrthoPediatrics
    • NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
    • Wishbone Medical
  • Q123 Trauma Regulatory Highlights

During Q1, the Pediatric Trauma segment experienced a notable surge in regulatory clearances, indicating forthcoming product launches aimed at bolstering the segment's growth. These approvals signal  ...

Read the entire Q123 Trauma Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below. Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK


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2 min read

The Future of Interventional Pain Management and Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

By Anne Staylor on 7/17/23 3:13 PM

SmartTRAK’s survey of interventional pain physicians reveals valuable insights into current and future trends in interventional pain management and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS)

SmartTRAK recently conducted a survey of 30 interventional pain physicians, including 18 doctors who perform PNS, to gain insight into the current state of interventional pain management and identify future trends in the field. This includes physician use of SCS, DRG Stimulation, short- and long-term PNS, RFA, TDD, Regenerative Medicine injections and MIS spine procedures, with an emphasis on PNS companies and technologies.

This comprehensive study sheds light on procedure trends, preferred treatment approaches, physicians' perspectives on PNS and more!

Key questions include:

  • What interventional pain procedures are expected to grow the most in the next 12-24 months?
  • What minimally invasive spine procedures do physicians think will increase the most in the next few years?
  • What are expected procedure volumes for Regenerative Medicine injections?
  • What are the most preferred treatment approaches for different chronic pain conditions?
  • What are physicians' impressions of the different PNS technologies/brands?
  • What are the top targets for PNS and what's driving and limiting physician adoption of PNS?
  • What technology improvements do physicians want to see in PNS devices?

Click the button below if you are interested in purchasing SmartTRAK’s Interventional Pain Management and Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Survey. Be The Expert with the latest insights and trends in the field and equip yourself with valuable knowledge. Click Now! Get the Survey

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2 min read

Mergers & Acquisitions: Q123 Spine Market Recap

By Courtney Sheedy on 7/14/23 2:05 PM

Despite M&A uncertainties with Orthofix/SeaSpine and Globus/NuVasive, the Spine market posted strong growth for Q123.

Q123 gave definition to some of the merger and acquisition uncertainty, but there’s undoubtedly more to be revealed as 2023 presses on. Only a crystal ball could predict the full-year performance of the newly integrated Orthofix/SeaSpine plus the highly-anticipated combination of Globus with NuVasive (many others on the horizon), yet the Spine market posted strong growth in Q123 amidst the disruption.
 

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q123 Spine Market Recap* are:

  • Complete Q123 Spine Market Overview
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
  • All Spine Companies' News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Market Shares
  • Top Players' Performance
    •  JNJ/DePuy Synthes
    • Globus 
    • NuVasive 
    • Stryker
  • Q123 Spine Trends
    • M&A Activity
    • New Products
    • Reimbursement Dynamics
  • Regulatory Highlights
  • Europe Regulatory Updates
  • Clinical Study Progress

Orthofix and SeaSpine announced the completion of its merger in Q123 in which SeaSpine became a wholly owned subsidiary of Orthofix. In a recent note, Canaccord Genuity highlighted SeaSpine7D Surgical and Simplify as the most notable of the recent spine acquisitions. SmartTRAK agrees and notes that ...

Read the entire Q123 Spine Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below. Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK

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2 min read

Advancements and Innovations In Bio-Integrative Fixation: An Interview with Orahn Preiss-Bloom

By Andy Knapik on 7/13/23 9:48 AM

Orahn Preiss-Bloom, founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Ossio Ltd. discusses Osssio’s advancements in innovations in the world of bio-integrative fixation devices.

In an interview with SmartTRAK, Orahn Preiss-Bloom, the founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Ossio Ltd, discusses how Ossio came to be, what makes their products different and where he sees the Company going in the future.

To find out more about Ossio, click on the following video to watch the interview (24:42 min). To download a complete transcript of the interview, click here. For more details, interview topics by timecode are provided below.

Interview Topics By Timecode

00:44 Orahn’s background in the medical industry.
03:53 What differentiates the OSSIO product.
07:55 Initial uses for OSSIOfiber.
12:40 Overcoming surgeon objections to biointegrative materials.
15:13 Ossio education labs.
19:44 Ossio in sports medicine.
22:41 Surgeon concerns.

To download the complete transcript of the interview with Orahn Preiss-Bloom, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Ossio Ltd, just click the button below. Download the Interview Transcript

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2 min read

Cold Plasma Poised for Growth in Europe: EWMA 2023

By Kris Flinn on 7/11/23 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK reports from the EWMA conference in Italy, where cold plasma companies are hoping to work together to take advantage of European market conditions.

Discover how Europe is transforming into a hotbed of innovation for chronic wound care through the breakthrough technology of cold plasma therapy. As the global focus on chronic wounds intensifies, European markets are witnessing a surge in new technologies that offer promising solutions. From smaller, portable devices to collaborative research efforts, this article highlights the rise of cold plasma therapy and its potential to revolutionize wound care. Download the article to further explore these, and other, key points:

  • Europe's lower revenue levels for advanced wound therapies compared to the US present an opportunity for new technologies to thrive.
  • Cold plasma therapy, utilizing low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasmas, demonstrates impressive benefits in treating chronic wounds, including bacterial inactivation and enhanced healing.
  • Recent advancements have led to the development of smaller and more portable cold plasma devices, expanding treatment options beyond hospitals to ambulatory settings and even patients' homes.
  • Swiss company ActivCell Group Ag, German companies neoplas med GmbH and Plasmacure BV and Dutch company Terraplasma Medical GmbH are among the pioneering companies offering innovative cold plasma devices.
  • The future of cold plasma therapy depends on the willingness of companies to collaborate, navigate regulatory challenges, and establish a distinct market presence.
  • While European advancements in cold plasma therapy are promising, the highly competitive US market remains a long-term goal for most companies, necessitating FDA approval and strategic partnerships.
  • The rapid growth of topical oxygen therapy in the US, driven by initiatives like the Veterans Association and state-level Medicaid approvals, could potentially outpace European progress once FDA approval is obtained.

The full article delves into the transformative potential of cold plasma therapy in chronic wound care. Explore the advancements, collaborations and challenges that shape Europe's emerging market and its race against the US in revolutionizing wound treatment. Just click the button below to download the complete "EWMA 2023 - Cold Plasma Poised for Growth in Europe" article by Kris Flinn, SmartTRAK Senior Analyst - Wound. Download the Article

Topics: Wound Care
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2 min read

The Market Rebounds: Q123 Soft Tissue Fixation Market Recap

By Andy Knapik on 7/10/23 10:02 AM

Soft Tissue Fixation Rebounds in Q123 To Start the Year In a Positive Direction

In Q1, the STF market experienced notable growth, primarily driven by several factors, including an increase in elective procedures, a decrease in the effects of supply chain issues and increased growth over a sluggish Q122. Overall, these factors collectively propelled the STF market to exhibit robust growth during the first quarter.

Among the many topics covered in detail inSmartTRAK's comprehensiveQ123 Soft Tissue Fixation Market Recap* are:

  • Complete Q123 Soft Tissue Fixation Market Overview
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
  • All STF Companies' News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Market Shares
  • Headwinds and Tailwinds
  • Top Competitor Results & Highlights
  • Q123 Clinical/Regulatory Highlights

In the first quarter of 2023, the orthopedic ambulatory surgical center (ASC) market in the US experienced positive developments. The market witnessed significant growth in personnel, contracts and portfolio expansion within Sports Medicine companies. In their Q1 earnings call, Zimmer Biomet* COO Ivan Tornos commented that ...

Read the entire Q123 Soft Tissue Fixation Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK
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2 min read

Mergers & Acquisitions: Q123 Spine Enabling Tech Market Recap

By Elise Wolf on 7/7/23 10:24 AM

In addition to product innovation and increasing adoption, the Spine Enabling Technology market is rapidly evolving due to mergers and acquisitions.

The Q123 WW Spine Enabling Tech Market was up +12.6% YoY, according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. Medtronic (MDT) remained the market leader with 54.9% share, followed by Globus Medical (GMED) and other enabling tech competitors like Brainlab and Stryker (SYK). For detailed Q123 revenues and shares by company in the US, EU and ROW, see SmartTRAK Spine Enabling Tech Financial Dashboard*.

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q123 US Spine Enabling Technology Market Recap* are:

  • Complete Q123 Spine Enabling Tech Market Overview
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
  • All Companies' News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Market Shares
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Changing the Spine Enabling Technology Landscape
  • New Spine Robots on the Horizon
  • Milestones in Augmented Reality
  • Q123 Regulatory Highlights

In February 2023, GMED announced it entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock transaction with NuVasive (NUVA). The transaction is expected to close mid-2023 subject to shareholder and regulatory agency approvals, which will make the combined company the ...

Read the entire Q123 Spine Enabling Tech Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below. Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK

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2 min read

Advancing Cutting Edge Alternatives to Fusion: ISASS 2023

By Kris Jacques on 7/4/23 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK highlights cutting-edge advances in non-fusion technologies and motion-preserving treatments presented at ISASS 2023.

SmartTRAK highlights the latest news, research and advancements in non-fusion technologies and motion-preserving treatments presented at the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS 2023) 23rd Annual Conference held in San Francisco, CA in June. Companies have been developing non-fusion technologies for decades. Based on the scientific program presentations, it’s evident that many are getting closer to US commercialization supported by clinical evidence and design optimizations.

Among the many topics covered in this fascinating and informative article are:

  • Facet Replacement: “The Transition Zone”
  • Nucleus Replacement: Lessons from 30 Years of History
  • Intradiscal Cell Therapy: The Holy Grail?
  • Preventing Lumbar Disc Reherniation and Reducing the Economic Burden

These technologies address the limitations with spinal fusion surgery for lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD), spondylolisthesis and stenosis. Lower back pain (LBP) associated with these pathologies has a substantial economic impact, being the most common cause of disability worldwide, constituting the second leading cause of ...

To download and read the complete "ISASS 2023: Advancing Cutting Edge Alternatives to Fusion" just click the button below. Download the Article

Topics: Spine
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2 min read

The Market Shines Bright: Q123 US Orthobio Market Recap

By Freddy Buntoum on 6/30/23 10:03 AM

US Orthobio market shines bright for the first quarter of 2023.

The US Orthobiologics (Orthobio) market performed well during the first quarter of 2023 and looks to be on a solid upswing and shining bright with the rebound of elective procedures as drivers to positive momentum. Q123 saw positive growth in all segments of the US Orthobio market, which closed on high notes, with revenue up +8.9% YoY.
 

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q123 US Orthobio Market Recap* are:

  • Complete Q123 Orthobio Market Overview
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
  • All Orthobio Companies' News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Market Shares
  • US Bone Replacement – Springing Back Into Light
    • Growth Factors/Peptides
    • DBM and Synthetics
  • US Cartilage Replacement –The Light Continues To Shine Bright
    • Cellular Grafts
    • Osteochondral Grafts
  • US Soft Tissue Replacement – Sunny Days Continue
    • Soft Tissue Patches
    • Tendon Allografts
  • US Meniscus Replacement – Sun is Shining Back on The Market

Despite continued healthcare staffing shortages and economic uncertainties, the US Bone Replacement experienced high single-digit percentage growth in Q123 as it benefited from increased utilization, especially in ...

Read the entire Q123 US Orthobio Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK

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2 min read

Spotlight on the Skin Substitute Market: SAWC Spring 2023

By Susan Paquette on 6/27/23 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK highlights the latest news from SAWC Spring 2023 for the ever-changing, continually growing skin substitute/CTP segment.

The skin substitute/CTP segment has seen double-digit growth year after year. Although the category has been known as the skin substitute or CTP (cellular and/or tissue-based products) market and has been dominated in recent years with amniotic tissue and xenograft products, it has recently grown to include non-biologic or synthetic-based products such as those based on polyurethane, polylactic acid, and bioabsorbable glass. The Journal of Wound Care recently published an international consensus document on “best practice for wound repair and regeneration,” with the clinical panel concluding CTPs weren’t the best terminology for the category. The panel suggested a more accurate name is “cellular, acellular and matrix‑like products (CAMPs),” expanding the definition to include "A broad category of biomaterials, synthetic materials or biosynthetic matrices that support repair or regeneration of injured tissues through various mechanisms of action."
 

This SAWC Spring 2023 perspective article extensively covers a wide range of topics pertaining to skin substitutes and Cellular and Tissue-based Products (CTPs), offering in-depth insights and analysis, and highlights a multitude of areas for discussion. Some of the key topics explored in this article include:

  • CAMP Companies and Products Dominate
    • Spring SAWC was dominated by companies showcasing their CAMPs, with nearly 30 companies exhibiting this year. The market is currently led by ...
  • Reimbursement: It’s Complicated
    • Skin substitute utilization is heavily influenced by reimbursement and setting of care. The physician office currently captures the largest share of the skin substitutes market. This is primarily driven by ...
  • Emerging Sites of Care
    • In its Site of Care module, SmartTRAK currently tracks the use of CTP or CAMP products in the surgical suite, HOPD, physician office, VA Health system and burn center. In discussions at SAWC, SmartTRAK learned ...
  • Future Growth
    • Despite reimbursement hurdles, SmartTRAK projects strong growth for this segment in the coming years, primarily due to ...

To download and read the complete "SAWC Spring 2023: Spotlight on the Skin Substitute Market" market perspective article by Susan Paquette, SmartTRAK's VP & General Manager, Wound, just click the button below.Download the Article

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3 min read

Setting the Stage for Growth: Q123 Ortho Enabling Tech Market Recap

By Shelly Caruso on 6/26/23 10:19 AM

Continued strength in ortho robotics placements and a crowd of new product launches in Q123 set the stage for growth in the remainder of the year.

The Q123 US Ortho Enabling Tech Market declined slightly by -0.6% YoY according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard . Stryker* (SYK) remained the market leader with 55.6% share, followed by Smith+Nephew* ( SNN), Zimmer Biomet* (ZBH) and DePuy Synthes* (JNJ). For detailed Q132 revenues and shares by company in the US, EU and ROW, see SmartTRAK Ortho Enabling Tech Financial Dashboard .


Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q123 Ortho Enabling Tech Market Recap* are:

  • Complete Q123 Otho Enabling Tech Market Overview
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
  • All US Ortho Enabling Tech Companies' News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Market Shares
  • Robust Q123 Robotics Performances by Company
    • Stryker
    • Zimmer Biomet
    • Smith+Nephew
    • JNJ/Depuy Synthes
  • New Product Introductions
    • Robotics and Ecosystem Launches
    • Navigation and Planning Innovations
  • SmartTRAK's Selected Highlights from Q123 Conferences
    • JP Morgan 41st Annual Healthcare Conference
    • Canaccord Genuity 2023 Musculoskeletal Conference
    • AAOS 2023 Annual Meeting

In an International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty (ISTA) presentation at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2023 (AAOS 2023) Annual Meeting, President, Digital, Robotics and Enabling Technology at SYK Robert Cohen discussed innovations including a fully connected operating room for a common user experience with planning and mixed-reality guidance combined with robotics and data transfer capabilities. Enabling technology continues to see adoption and integration in orthopedics and with it, the introduction of ...

Read the entire Q123 Ortho Enabling Tech Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK

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2 min read

A Whopping Quarter for Biologics: Q123 Advanced Wound Care Market Recap

By Susan Paquette on 6/23/23 12:30 PM

Biologics had a whopping quarter, Advanced Dressings saw strong gains and External Devices continue to show minimal gains due to traditional NPWT holding down the segment.

The global AWC market is split geographically, with the US accounting for just over half, followed by Europe and then ROW, due to the US using higher technology products and their allowed reimbursement. SmartTRAK has noted shifts in market share, largely driven by currency movements. In Q123, there was less of an impact. From Q221 to Q123, the US went from 52.6% share to 53.1%, Europe from 27.9% to 28.6% and ROW from 19.5% to 18.2%.

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q123 Advanced Wound Care Market Recap* are:

  • Complete Q123 Advanced Wound Care Market Overview
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
  • All AWC Companies' News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Market Shares
  • WW Advanced Dressings: Acceleration of Continued Solid Growth
  • Biologics: An Impressive Quarter
    • Skin Substitutes/CTPs
    • Topical Delivery/Drug
    • Collagen/Active Dressings
  • External Devices: Single-use NPWT and Topical Oxygen Therapy Drive Growth
  • Growth Analysis – Currency Having a Less Strong Impact
    • Growth Details for Key Companies in Q123
  • Other Notable Q123 AWC Events

3M remained the global revenue leader in the Q123 WW AWC market, with Smith+Nephew (SNN) is in second place and Mölnlycke rounding out the top three,  with revenues of ...

Read the entire Q123 AWC Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK

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3 min read

SmartTRAK Launches New ASC Insights Solution for Medtech Orthopedic Market

By Courtney Sheedy on 6/20/23 9:30 AM

New SaaS technology offering delivers competitive advantage in rapidly changing Ambulatory Surgery Center market.

SmartTRAK, the leading global Medtech business and market software intelligence solution in the Orthopedics, Wound Care, Regenerative Medicine and Neuro Therapy markets, is pleased to announce the release of ASC Insights, the industry’s first-ever commercially available platform-based solution for the growing Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) market. ASC Insights provides real-time insights and rich data to help clients better understand market trends and accelerate commercial growth strategies.

In recent years, the Orthopedic ASC market, valued at over $10 billion, has undergone a significant transition as surgeries increasingly shift from traditional inpatient settings to outpatient ASCs. This shift necessitates that Medtech companies explore new ways to stay informed about myriad data sources and market shifts to drive their commercial growth strategies.

The ASC Insights offering is an extension of the SmartTRAK platform, encompassing comprehensive market analyses and proprietary qualitative insights on trends, as well as readily extractable quantitative metrics. Alternatively, enterprise customers can seamlessly integrate these metrics into their business intelligence platforms. Subscribers to SmartTRAK ASC Insights gain access to a historical news archive, recaps of changes in key facility ownership and information on technologies and reimbursement. Furthermore, customers receive valuable Daily Updates, ensuring up-to-date and timely coverage of noteworthy ASC industry developments. They also enjoy on-demand, direct access to SmartTRAK expert analysts.

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2 min read

Sowing the Seeds for Growth: Q123 Extremities Market Recap

By Lisa Mahan on 6/16/23 9:30 AM

New products and technologies in Shoulder Replacement and the Extremities Fixation Segments planted the seeds for sequential growth in the Q123 Extremities Market

The US Extremities Market grew 7.8% in Q123 with new products and continued recovery of elective procedures encouraging growth despite concerns about a looming recession. While headwinds such as supply chain constraints, economic challenges and staffing shortages could darken the forecast, SmartTRAK expects the Extremities Market to weather these issues and continue to experience strong growth through 2023.

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q123 Extremities Market Recap* are:

  • Complete Q123 Extremities Market Overview
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
  • All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
  • New Products and Technologies That are Planting the Seeds for Growth in Shoulders
  • Extremities Fixation Closes the Quarter on High with Solid Returns
  • Q123 Regulatory Highlights

Both US Extremities Fixation subsegments, Upper Extremities Fixation and Foot Ankle Fixation, ended the first quarter of 2023 with ...

Read the entire Q123 Extremities Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below. Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK

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2 min read

Underlying Dynamics in Healthcare Policy and Reimbursement: SAWC Spring 2023

By Terry Hayslett on 6/12/23 9:21 AM

The success or failure of medical technology often hinges on dynamics occurring within healthcare policy and reimbursement. In this article, SmartTRAK highlights policy and reimbursement themes from SAWC Spring 2023

SAWC Spring 2023 welcomed clinicians, researchers and industry to Washington, DC, to share knowledge and network on the latest developments in advanced wound care. While the attention centered on advances in disease management and technological innovation, SmartTRAK noted compelling discussions involving healthcare policy and reimbursement that may have been missed by some industry participants.

In this article, which can be downloaded here, SmartTRAK explores coverage and payment dynamics surrounding the following topics:

  • Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Advanced Wound Care
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the hot topic of the day. Companies seek to capitalize on it, governments want to regulate it, some workers fear it ...
  • Medicare Advantage: Growing Concerns About Claims Denials
    • Medicare Advantage plans are under fire for reportedly restricting access to medically necessary care ...
  • Topical Oxygen Therapy: Reconsidering Local MAC Coverage Policy
    • In 2017, industry stakeholders requested that CMS remove the non-coverage of topical oxygen therapies (TOT) from the National Coverage Determination (NCD) Manual ...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the hot topic of the day. Companies seek to capitalize on it, governments want to regulate it and some workers fear it. Given the attention, it is fitting that sessions touching on AI bookended SAWC Spring 2023. Daniel Kraft, MD, opened the keynote address with captivating slides on how medicine is positioned within the fourth industrial revolution, where robotics, big data and AI are transforming care and leading to ...

To download and read the complete "Underlying Dynamics in Healthcare Policy and Reimbursement" by Terry Hayslett, Senior Analyst, Advanced Wound Care, just click the button below. Download the Article

Topics: Wound Care
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2 min read

Favorable Winds of Change: Q123 Total Joints Market Recap

By Lisa Mahan on 6/8/23 9:30 AM

Increased elective procedure volume recovery lifts market growth to new heights

The winds of change precipitated a strong season of growth for the Total Joints Market. Company after company reported increasing elective procedural volume recovery due to the underlying post-COVID demand. Procedure momentum and easier year-over-year comparisons drove market growth above double-digits with the US Total Joints Market growing +14.5% in Q123. Easing of staffing headwinds and normalization of surgery cancellation rates were also contributing factors to accelerating procedures.
 

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q123 Total Joints Market Recap* are:

  • Complete Q123 Total Joints Market Overview
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
  • All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
  • Technologies and Procedure Recovery Elevating Hip Growth
  • The Ongoing March Towards Cementless Knees
  • Deals and Financing Highlights
  • Q123 Regulatory Highlights

Will this momentum continue throughout 2023? SmartTRAK believes underlying demand for hip and knee replacement surgery will ...

Read the entire Q123 Total Joints Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below. Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK

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2 min read

Signs of Disruption? The Wound Debridement 2023 Outlook

By Kris Flinn on 6/5/23 10:22 AM

With Smith+Nephew having dominated the wound debridement market for over a decade, SmartTRAK looks at how 2023 could be a year where we see the first signs of disruption.

The WW Wound Debridement Market is forecast to grow at a five-year CAGR of ~5.1%, according to SmartTRAK estimates. Although Smith+Nephew (SNN) has long dominated this market with more than 74% share, SmartTRAK believes 2023 could be a year of disruption in wound debridement as multiple players across a range of segments are poised to see financial returns after years of commercial progress. It is also worth noting that sharp debridement accounts for over half of the debridement procedures in the US, so the route to market growth is clear. 

In this 2023 Market Outlook article, Kris Flinn, SmartTRAK's Senior Analyst, Wound, provides an outlook of the WW Wound Debridement Market, including factors that could disrupt the market over the next several years, and discusses why debridement is the wound market segment most primed for corporate activity in 2023 and beyond.
 
Among the many topics covered in the complete article, which can be downloaded here, are:
  • Smaller Players Help Drive Growth in Enzymatic Debridement
  • Chemical Debridement to Continue Geographic Expansion
  • Portfolio Gaps to be Addressed
  • Analysis of the Major Players
    • 3M
    • Smith+Nephew
    • Mölnlycke
    • Convatec
    • Urgo Medical

The fact that Smith + Nephew owns three-quarters of the WW Wound Debridement Market highlights two issues: firstly, the company has done an excellent job in establishing such a dominant position, and secondly, there is a ...

To download and read the complete "Wound Debridement 2023 Outlook" by Kris Flinn, SmartTRAK's Senior Analyst, Wound, just click the button below. Download the Wound Debridement 2023 Article

Topics: Wound Care
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2 min read

Biosynthetic and Hybrid Xenograft Hernia Matrices Drive Growth: Q123 US Surgical Matrices Market Recap

By Doug Devens on 6/2/23 10:00 AM

Biosynthetic and hybrid xenograft hernia matrices continue to drive growth in hernia matrices, but breast matrices decline slightly in Q123.

The US Surgical Matrices Market gained +3.2% YoY according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. AbbVie and Becton Dickinson (BD) remained in first and second positions, respectively, in the Q123 Surgical Matrices market. AbbVie had an -8.8% decline YoY, and in second place, BD gained +9.1% YoY to ...
 
Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q123 US Surgical Matrices Market Recap* article:
  • Complete Q123 US Surgical Matrices Market Overview
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
  • All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
  • US Surgical Matrices Market Shuffles Leadership
  • US Breast Matrices: Holding Steady
  • US Hernia Repair Matrices Market: Another Solid Quarter
  • Q123 Clinical/Regulatory Highlights

The US Surgical Matrices Market grew in Q123 with more strength in the Hernia Matrices segment, due to the continued growth of biosynthetic matrices and TELA Bio’s OviTex as physicians use them for ...

Read the entire Q123 US Surgical Matrices Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below. Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK
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10 min read

What's New in the Spine Market? SmartTRAK at ISSAS

By Courtney Sheedy on 5/30/23 9:32 AM

The ISASS 2023 annual meeting is taking place this week in San Francisco, and SmartTRAK is excited to be in attendance. Our team of spine experts will be roaming the event, providing our subscribers with up-to-the-minute news directly from the show floor. To ensure you're well-informed ahead of the meeting, below is a selection of recent spine news meticulously curated by our expert analysts at SmartTRAK.

If you're interested in receiving 30 days of COMPLIMENTARY daily real-time updates delivered to your inbox each morning, simply click here. Additionally, if if you are interested in learning more about The Future of Spine Enabling Technology for 2023, click here to read the article.

New Products:

  • Orthofix*

    Orthofix noted that the Company launched the Lattus Lateral Access System and the Fathom Pedicle-Based Retractor System during Q123, which both address what the Company estimated to be a $1.8B MIS spine market.

  • Globus Medical has announced FDA approval of REFLECT Scoliosis Correction System, the company's first humanitarian device. The non-fusion system, using a flexible cord instead of rigid metal rods, corrects scoliosis in young pts while preserving motion and allowing for growth.

Topics: Spine CAS Spine
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2 min read

Q422 Spine Enabling Tech Market Recap

By Shelly Caruso on 5/26/23 10:27 AM

Merger mayhem of Q422 continues and the Spine enabling tech space heats up with new navigation products and some robotics players seeing record-breaking sales and unit placements.

The Q422 WW Spine Enabling Tech Market was up +13.6% YoY, according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. Medtronic (MDT) remained the market leader, followed by Globus Medical (GMED) and other enabling tech competitors like Brainlab and Stryker (SYK). For detailed Q422 revenues and shares by company in the US, EU and ROW, see SmartTRAK Spine Enabling Tech Financial Dashboard*.

Among the many topics explored in detail in this comprehensive Spine Enabling Tech article* are:
  • Complete Q422 Spine Enabling Tech Performance Recap
  • Mighty Mergers in Q422 and Q123
    • SeaSpine and Orthofix Take the Plunge
    • Globus and NuVasive Join Forces in Q123
  • Other Q422 Collaborations
    • ZimVie and Brainlab
    • Spineart and eCential Robotics
    • Captiva Spine and REMEX Medical
  • Q422 Augmented Reality and Navigation Regulatory Highlights

Read the entire Q422 Spine Enabling Tech Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, revenues and shares*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below. Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK

Topics: Spine CAS Spine
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2 min read

Surviving Economic Storms: Boost YOUR Success with Better Market Intelligence Solutions

By Linda Bernier on 5/21/23 10:00 PM

Boost YOUR Success with Better Market Intelligence Solutions

In these uncertain times, the Medtech Industry is facing economic challenges, which have resulted in countless layoffs, early retirements and stressful budget cuts. As a result, many departments are left without proper staffing, creating major gaps in subject matter expertise and strategic insights. But times of pressure demand push-back from those determined to come out stronger on the other side, which is why now, more than ever, is the time to double down on your investments in market intelligence solutions and better technology.

Technology is a critical investment that can help companies reduce costs and increase efficiency. According to a recent survey by Gartner, an astounding 40% of CFOs say they plan to increase their IT budgets, even in times of economic uncertainty. Automation is also seen as a deflationary force that can help companies boost productivity and reduce costs while maintaining strong barriers to entry, what Morgan Stanley analysts call “deflation enablers.”

SmartTRAK’s Insights-as-a-Service solution has the potential to drive significant savings while also providing a competitive edge for your growth strategies. Just look at some of the potential results investments in SmartTRAK can provide companies:

  • 20 to 25% increase the productivity of knowledge workers
  • 25 - 35% reduction in time searching and gathering information with a searchable record of knowledge
  • 3.5 – 6.5 hours of increased value-added time per week

But the proof is in the pudding. With the kinds of challenges that Medtech companies are facing today, SmartTRAK offers necessary solutions to help ease the burden of inflation. The SmartTRAK insights platformcombined with our subject matter experts can work as an extension of your market intelligence team, keeping you in-the-know and more productive than ever as you weather the economic storm.

If your organization is grappling with the kinds of budget challenges we mentioned while striving for double-digit growth, allow SmartTRAK to help. With a simple discovery call, our team can demonstrate the value and positive impacts of your company’s market intelligence spend. Using our SmartTRAK ROI Modeling tool, we can uncover invisible productivity and consolidation opportunities that can result in cost savings, greater efficiency and a positive ROI. All you have to do is click the button below to reach out to schedule. Schedule My ROI

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2 min read

Beyond Robotics: Enabling Tech Innovations at AAOS 2023

By Elise Wolf on 5/19/23 9:30 AM

More than just robots. Targeting enabling technologies to the ASC setting, development of novel assistive technologies, next-generation software updates, new applications and data insights abound at AAOS 2023.

In the US Markets for Spine and Orthopedic Enabling Technologies, it’s clear that companies are rapidly innovating and designing next-generation technologies that continue to advance the market well beyond the robotic surgical arms and platforms developed in the last decade. At this year’s American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ (AAOS) Annual Meeting, enabling technology was a big focus both on the podium and the exhibit floor. The Canaccord Genuity (CG) Musculoskeletal Conference also included a number of presentations from companies with innovative enabling technologies, including Enovis, OnPoint Surgical, THINK Surgical, OrthAlign, Augmedics, Canary Medical and newcomer Caira. Additionally, several companies on the AAOS exhibit floor were showcasing new developments across surgical planning, navigation, augmented reality, robotics and smart implants. In this Perspective article, SmartTRAK focuses in on several of the aforementioned companies, exciting technologies and important topics, including:

  • These Are Not Your Father’s Robots: They're Here to Stay
  • ASC Shift Driving Smaller, More Cost-Effective Solutions
  • Dream Becoming Reality: Augmented Reality Competition Heats Up
  • More Than Just Data: Smart Implants Show Promise in Improving Post-op Recovery
  • Enabling Technology Space Continues to Grow
  • Physician Adoption

With a lot of new developments expected later this year and over the next 24-48 months, the enabling technology space continues to grow and physician adoption is ...

To download and read the complete and unedited "Beyond Robotics: Enabling Tech Innovations at AAOS 2023" article by Elise Wolf, GM & VP, SmartTRAK Orthopedics, Digital & Quality, just click the button below. Download the Beyond Robotics Article

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2 min read

Orthobiologics News: The Buzz from AAOS 2023

By Kim French on 5/16/23 9:30 AM

Company efforts to grow share, reduce costs and increase revenue

This year’s American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon’s (AAOS) Annual Meeting was well attended, lively and appeared to be “getting back to normal.” The exhibit hall flowed with curious surgeons, industry symposiums and innovation talks were standing room only; the annual meeting was pulsating with robust information and industry news. Compared to previous years, the Orthobiologics buzz at AAOS 2023 was immense, and this article highlights some of the latest news.
 
Among the topics discussed in the complete Perspective article, which is available for download here, are:
  • Top of Mind: M&A and Workforce Reductions
  • Macroeconomic Headwinds
  • Momentum for Penetrating Larger Addressable Markets
  • Companies that are Shifting Strategies
    • Anika Therapeutics - Anika has been transforming itself from an osteoarthritis (OA) pain management leader with a huge addressable market to a ...
    • Vericel - US Cartilage Replacement Market leader Vericel continues to shape the market landscape and shift how surgeons are treating ...
    • CONMED - In 2021, CONMED accelerated investments to grow its domestic Orthopedic business, including expanding its ...
  • Latest Updates on Pricing and Reimbursement

In summary, this year’s AAOS meeting was energetic, and most of the news and information was positive. SmartTRAK is eager to see the outcomes of the recent acquisitions and activities associated with capturing more market share and ...

To read the complete "The Orthobiologics Buzz at AAOS 2023" article by Kimberly French, GM, Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine, just click the button below. Download the Orthobio Buzz AAOS 2023 Article

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2 min read

Smooth Water/Turbulent Whitewater: Q422/FY22 US Joint Fluid Replacement Market Recap

By Freddy Buntoum on 5/11/23 12:53 PM

Some HA players navigate through smooth river flows, while others hit turbulent whitewater.

For Q422, CMS reimbursement changes continued to impact overall revenue for the US Joint Fluid Replacement market which represents a decline of -3.3% vs Q421 according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. Despite headwinds, for the fourth quarter and FY22, it was clear that while some hyaluronic acid (HA) players were able to navigate through seemingly smooth river flows, others hit turbulent whitewater. Aggregate revenue fell in the red for the second quarter in a row primarily due to negative YoY growth in the two leading HA segments, single- and three-injection treatment options.

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q422/FY22 US Joint Fluid Replacement Market Recap* are:

  • Complete Q422/FY22 Market Overview and Highlights
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
  • All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
  • Smooth Waters for Some, Turbulent Rapids for Others in Single-Injection Market
  • Which Players are Taking The Wrong Waterway in Multi-Injection Market?
  • Who are the Winners of the Multi-injection Kayak Race?
  • What Companies Were Left in the Wake in the Multi-injection Segment?
  • The Outlook for Joint Fluid Replacement in 2023

On the outlook for 2023 in the US Joint Fluid Replacement market, SmartTRAK expects to see a persistent competitive environment and continued pricing pressure, but the anticipation of ASP stabilization should make for a calmer playing field and enable some to regain market share in certain segments. That said, some unforeseen disruptors may lead to potential internal disruptions like the recent announcement from ...

Read the entire Q422/FY22 US Joint Fluid Replacement Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares. *

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below. Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK
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2 min read

Three Ortho Robotics Companies to Watch in 2023

By Shelly Caruso on 5/9/23 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK identifies three orthopedic robotics companies strategically positioned to shake things up this year in the fast-growing robotic-assisted TJA market.

SmartTRAK projects robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) will account for 48.5% of all US TKAs and 79.6% of all US robotic-assisted joint replacements by 2026E. This growth of robotic-assisted ortho procedures and ongoing adoption of enabling tech continues to drive the US ortho robotics market. In this Market Outlook Article, SmartTRAK identifies and analyzes three robotics companies that may shake things up in 2023 and beyond. They are:

  • Stryker: Racing Towards New Indications in 2023
    • On the heels of a record-breaking quarter in Q422 in terms of MAKO installations in the US and internationally, market-leader Stryker (SYK) announced in its Q422 earnings call highly-anticipated timelines for the Company’s plans to launch ...
  • THINK Surgical: Pursuing Two New Robots in 2023
    • THINK Surgical has a different approach compared to most robotics competitors. The Company focuses on providing robotic systems for joint replacement surgery, with an open implant library as an alternative to closed systems limited to a single manufacturer's implants. At the Canaccord Genuity Healthcare Conference in 2022, the Company revealed plans to ...
  • Globus Medical: Bringing Knee Enabling Tech to Market in 2023
    • Since Globus Medical (GMED) acquired Stelkast in 2019 as a foundation for expanding into the total joint market, an orthopedic robotic system from the Company has been looming on the horizon. In the last two years, GMED has been consistently submitting intellectual property applications related to ...

To read the complete "Three Ortho Robotics Companies to Watch in 2023" Market Outlook article by By Shelly Caruso, SmartTRAK's Market Analyst/Medical Writer, Just click the button below. Download the Ortho Robotics 2023 Article

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2 min read

Spine Themes for 2023: Great Expectations

By Courtney Sheedy on 5/5/23 9:30 AM

For FY23, SmartTRAK expects to see M&A activity create both opportunities and challenges, the impact of positive swings in reimbursement furthering growth in SI joint fusion and disc replacement and for ongoing hospital limitations and the persistent adoption of MIS techniques to perpetuate the movement of spine cases to the ASC environment.

SmartTRAK expects to see several trends evolve in the spine market in 2023, shaped by current events and changing market dynamics in recent years. Over the past several years, organizational consolidation has continued as the market demanded scale to compete. An evolution in innovation and advancements in surgical techniques continues to push categorical growth in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and other procedures that lean on technology to maximize surgical efficiencies for both patients and surgeons.

In this comprehensive Market Outlook article, SmartTRAK examines, in detail, the following issues confronting the Spine market in the year ahead:

  • Corporate Consolidation Activity is Creating both Opportunities and Headwinds
    • Two important mergers transpired last year which will undoubtedly cause major market disruption in 2023: Orthofix/SeaSpine and Globus/NuVasive. For both deals, SmartTRAK expects to see ...

  • An Evolving Reimbursement Landscape is Driving Continued Growth in SI Joint fusion and Disc Replacement
    • There continue to be two spine procedures commanding attention for similar reasons. Historically, sacroiliac joint (SIJ) fusion and total disc replacement (TDR) have been simple and innovative solutions with limited clinical data available, both plagued with reimbursement challenges. The demand for both has been growing for years ...

  • Ongoing Hospital Constraints and Continued Adoption of MIS Techniques Further Procedural Migration to ASCs
    • The macroeconomic climate has caused systemic budget cutting and restructuring in healthcare, which has challenged staffing abilities in already overburdened facilities. Hospital executives’ demand for efficiency and optimization often put surgeons in a position of ...

To read the complete "Spine Themes for 2023: Great Expectations" Market Outlook article by Courtney Sheedy, SmartTRAK's General Manager, Spine, Just click the button below.Download the Spine Themes 2023 Article

Topics: Top Story Spine
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2 min read

A Banner Year: Q422 Ortho Enabling Tech Market Recap

By Elise Wolf on 5/4/23 9:45 AM

Q422 was a banner quarter for ortho enabling tech installations, technological advances and expanding applications on the horizon.

The Q422 WW Ortho Enabling Tech Market was down -7.2% YoY, according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard . Stryker (SYK) remained the market leader with 65.1% share, followed by Smith+Nephew (SNN), Zimmer Biomet (ZBH) and DePuy Synthes (JNJ). For detailed Q422 revenues and shares by company in the US, EU and ROW, see the SmartTRAK Ortho Enabling Tech Financial Dashboard .*
 
Among the many topics explored in detail in this comprehensive article are:
  • Strong Robotic Performance Despite Lackluster Revenue from Changing Deal Mix
  • Expanding Robotic Applications Contribute to Growth
  • Other Orthopedic Robotics Moving Forward
  • Orthopedic Enabling Tech Making Inroads into Spine and Vice Versa
  • Navigation Highlights
  • Advances in Augmented Reality
  • Preoperative Planning Highlights

Orthopedic robotics market leader SYK reported that Q422 was a record quarter for MAKO installations, both in the US and internationally, with an unsurpassed number of MAKO installations in ASCs. In Q422, SYK saw ...

Read the entire Q422 Ortho Enabling Tech Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, revenues and shares.*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK

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2 min read

Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Highlights at AAOS 2023

By Andy Knapik on 5/2/23 9:30 AM

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2023 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas finally felt like the Academy meetings before COVID knocked the wind out of the industry over the last couple of years, and SmartTRAK was there. The meeting was well attended, the exhibitor floor was bustling with traffic steadily throughout the entire meeting and the talks were all well attended. After the last few years of uncertainty and low attendance, it was good to see a robust and engaging Academy meeting once again. While some of the larger companies may have scaled down their booth space at AAOS, there were plenty of new, smaller and mid-tier companies that stepped up their presence to take advantage of the rejuvenated crowd. So what was the buzz at the meeting?
 
In this article, SmartTRAK highlights the key takeaways from AAOS for companies competing in the Sports Medicine Market, including:
  • The Growing Interest in Biologic-Driven Soft Tissue Fixation
    • It was clear at AAOS that there is a growing interest among sports medicine companies and physicians in the use of biologic-driven soft tissue fixation. Since Smith+Nephew set the stage for ...

  • Small and Mid-Size Players That Aim to Take Share
    • A number of smaller US and OUS-based soft tissue fixation companies were on display at AAOS showing that the market for soft tissue fixation is a popular one where new competitors see growth potential. Companies such as ...

  • The New Companies Helping to Drive Innovation in Arthroscopic Video Technology
    • Arthroscopic video technology was front and center at AAOS 2023 from wireless cameras, disposable cameras and scopes to needle scope technology. While the big boys were showcasing their video technology as always, other companies, including ...

To read the complete "Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Highlights at AAOS 2023" article by Andy Knapik, SmartTRAK's Senior Analyst, Soft Tissue Fixation and Arthroscopic Enabling Technologies, click the button below. Download the AAOS 2023 Article

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2 min read

Healthy Gains: Q422/FY22 AWC Market Recap

By Susan Paquette on 5/1/23 9:30 AM

Advanced Dressings and Biologics added healthy gains to the WW Advanced Wound Care market, while External Devices showed minimal growth.

The global Advanced Wound Care market is split geographically, with the US accounting for just over half, followed by Europe and then ROW, due to the US using higher technology products and their allowed reimbursement. SmartTRAK noted a sizeable shift in market share from Q122 to Q422.
 

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q422/FY22 AWC Market Recap* are:

  • Complete Q422/FY22 AWC Market Overview and Highlights
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
  • All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
  • WW Advanced Dressings: Continued Solid Growth
  • Biologics: Growth Remains Healthy but Dips Slightly in Q422
    • Skin Substitutes/CTPs
    • Topical Delivery/Drug
    • Collagen/Active Dressings
    • Traditional NPWT Performance
    • Single-use NPWT Performance 
    • Topical Oxygen and Debridement
  • Growth Analysis – Currency Having a Strong Impact Throughout 2022

The US went from 51.9% share market to 55.3% of the global AWC market, Europe from 29.5% to 26.4% and ROW from 18.6% to 18.3%. The primary reason is ...

Read the entire Q422/FY22 AWC Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares.*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK


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3 min read

Five Companies to Watch in Wound Diagnostics in 2023

By Kris Flinn on 4/25/23 9:30 AM

The need for effective wound diagnostics has never been greater. SmartTRAK highlights five companies that may advance the market in 2023

SmartTRAK forecasts the US Diagnostics Aids Market to more than double in size by 2026E. There is a significant need for diagnostic technologies in US wound care, with hard-to-heal wounds anticipated to exceed four million by 2026E and advanced wound care revenues growing at a five-year compound annual growth rate of over 6% according to the SmartTRAK US AWC Market Overview.

In this article, SmartTRAK focuses on five noteworthy companies and the key initiatives they have planned for 2023 and also reveals four organizations that could disrupt the market this year. The five are:

  • Spectral MD
    • It is now ten years since Spectral MD was first awarded US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) funding to accelerate the commercialization of its DeepView technology, a portable imaging system that uses ...

  • MolecuLight
    • Since 2015, MolecuLight has been very visible and active with its MolecuLight i:X device, a handheld fluorescence imaging device that provides real-time visualization of bacteria in chronic wounds at ...

  • Podimetrics
    • Podimetrics is another company that has ridden the challenges of the early 2020s with great success. Revenues have doubled for three years running and Company infrastructure has been ...

  • Smith+Nephew
    • SNN has shown a greater desire to establish itself within wound diagnostics than any other major wound care player. In addition to the Company’s agreement with MolecuLight, in 2019, SNN also acquired ...

  • 3M
    • SmartTRAK estimates that 3M had a 19.5% share of the WW Advanced Wound Care Market in the first nine months of 2022, making them the number one player. Over 80% of the Company’s revenue is from ...

The US Diagnostic Aids Market is highly fragmented, with a variety of start-ups, academic institutions and established players attempting to commercialize a range of technologies. As well as the five companies already featured, SmartTRAK believes that the following organizations could disrupt the market in 2023 ...

Just click the button below to download and read the "Five Companies to Watch in Wound Diagnostics in 2023" Market Outlook article by Kris Flinn, SmartTRAK Senior Analyst, Wound. Download the Market Outlook Article


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2 min read

New Products, Strong Growth & Continuing Strength: Q422 Extremities Market Recap

By Lisa Mahan on 4/24/23 10:02 AM

Strong growth across market segments and new products coming to market signal continuing Extremities Market strength

SmartTRAK reports that the Q422 WW Extremities Market, WW Upper Extremities Market, WW Foot & Ankle Market, US Extremities Market, US Upper Extremities Market and the US Foot & Ankle Market were all up between +4.5% and +9.0% YoY.
 

Among the many topics covered in detail in SmartTRAK's comprehensive Q422 Extremities Market Recap* are:

  • Complete Q422 Extremities Market Overview and Highlights
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
  • All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
  • New Shoulder Products Driving Growth with More Tech Updates Coming
  • Ankle Market Poised for Expansion with Next-Generation Implants and Technology
  • Renewed Manufacturer Focus along with New Product Intros Fuel Upper Extremities Fixation
  • Foot & Ankle Fixation Propelled by New Product Introductions
  • Q422 Regulatory Highlights
    • Fixation
    • Shoulder Replacement
    • Elbow Replacement
    • Ankle Replacement
    • Toe Replacement
Read the entire Q422 Extremities Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares.*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK
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2 min read

Sweet Smell of Roses: Q422 & FY22 US Orthobio Market Recap

By Freddy Buntoum on 4/20/23 11:35 AM

Total Orthobio market bouncing back and coming through 2022 smelling like a rose for the 2nd year in a row.

The US Orthobiologics (Orthobio) market performed well during Q4 and for FY22, and the sweet smell of roses seemed to celebrate a rebound to the market, with elective procedure recovery, new product launches, and pull-through from enabling technologies as drivers to growth and positive momentum. Q422 saw growth in all but one segment of the US Orthobio market, which somewhat offset a stronger finish of the quarter and of the year 2022. Nevertheless, Q422 and FY22 closed on high notes.
 

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q422/FY22 OrthoBio Recap* are:

  • Complete Q422 Trauma Market Overview and Highlights
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
  • All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
  • US Bone Replacement
    • Good Momentum as Spine Rebounds and Products Launch
  • US Cartilage Replacement
    • Procedure Volumes Stabilizing
  • US Soft Tissue Replacement
    • Winter Months More Like a Sunny Day Rose Parade
  • US Meniscus Replacement 
    • Growth Dampened by a Non-Blooming Group of Small Players

In addition to the previously mentioned market growth drivers, and as SmartTRAK highlighted in its latest trends article, “What Lies Ahead for Orthobiologics in 2023 and Beyond”,* other contributing factors of growth in 2022 and indicators of future growth in the US Orthobio market, included a tremendous level of M&As, strategic alliances and investments in new technologies. Overall, the US Orthobio market performed above expectations and ...

Read the entire Q422 Orthobio Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares.*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below.

Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK

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4 min read

What's New and What's Next at Abbott Neuromodulation

By Anne Staylor on 4/18/23 9:30 AM

Rebecca Wilkins, DVP R&D Neuromodulation for Abbott, discusses the Eterna SCS, strategies for penetrating the market for PDN, the latest initiatives for DBS and DRG and what’s next for the Company in an interview with SmartTRAK.

Rebecca Wilkins, Divisional Vice President, Research and Development, Neuromodulation at Abbott, discusses Eterna, the Company’s newest rechargeable spinal cord stimulator, strategies for penetrating the market for painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN), the latest initiatives in deep brain stimulation and what’s next in terms of research and innovation an interview with SmartTRAK. 

To find out more, listen to the interview by clicking on the following video (19:41 min). A link to download a complete transcript of the interview is also provided below...just click Continue Reading.

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2 min read

New Products Propel Growth: Q422 Trauma Market Recap

By Natasha Weeks on 4/17/23 10:16 AM

New product introductions propelled growth for the Trauma segment during the fourth quarter.

Historically the top segments in the Trauma Market, Plates & Screws and IM Nails, didn’t disappoint in Q4 and fueled growth for the overall Trauma Market. During Q422, manufacturers specifically touted IM nailing and plating systems as revenue drivers. Top players emphasized the importance of offering robust plating and IM nailing portfolios to customers noting it was key for positioning strategies to compete in healthcare requests for proposals (RFPs) and tenders.
 

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q422 Trauma Market Recap* are:

  • Complete Q422 Trauma Market Overview and Highlights
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
  • All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
  • Plates & Screws and IM Nails Propel Growth for the Quarter
  • Globus Continues to Make Strides in Trauma Filling Out Product Portfolio
  • Q422 Trauma Market Regulatory Highlights

The number one trauma player, DePuy Synthes* (46.6% Q4 US Trauma market share) attributed Q422 and full-year 2022 growth to market recovery along with market adoption of new introductions such as ...

Read the entire Q422 Trauma Market Recap, including SmartTRAK's expert analysis, news, data, charts, company revenues and shares.*

*These links and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please click the button below. Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK

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2 min read

Wound Care Today 2023: Low Growth Impacting the UK Advanced Dressings Market

By Kris Flinn on 4/11/23 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK reports on the Wound Care Today 2023 Conference, where a number of challenges facing UK Advanced Dressings companies were on display

The UK Advanced Dressings Market is projected to grow at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of +1.9%, according to SmartTRAK estimates. The UK market is growing slower than any of the nine advanced dressings markets that SmartTRAK reports on, including the markets for Total Europe (+3.2%) and Worldwide (+5.0%). Given that the number of chronic wounds is increasing annually and the rate of UK inflation is in the double digits, why is the growth of the UK market so poor compared to other markets?

Among the may topics covered in detail in this comprehensive look into Wound Care 2023 article are:

  • Increasing Alignment of Advanced Dressing Portfolios
  • Increased Presence of Premium Priced Therapies
  • Digital Tools That Highlight Inappropriate Usage of Dressings
  • The Hidden Impact of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Any usage of advanced dressings to manage HS is vulnerable to switching to products tailored to the condition. Quantifying the size of this market niche is challenging but could be an increasing area of focus in ...

To download and read the complete "Wound Care Today 2023: Low Growth Impacting the UK Advanced Dressings Market" perspective article by Kris Flinn, SmartTRAK's Senior Analyst, Wound, just click the button below.

Download the Article

Topics: Wound Care
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2 min read

Rough Waters: Q422 Arthroscopic Technologies Market Recap

By Andy Knapik on 4/10/23 10:40 AM

Rough Waters for the Arthroscopic Technologies Market in Q4

While some of the significant headwinds caused by COVID-19 are in the rearview mirror, the Arthroscopic Technologies Market was still hampered in the fourth quarter, with worldwide revenues up +2.8% over Q421.


Q422 saw a continued rise in procedure volumes globally which provided growth for the AT Disposables Market, which tends to trend with case volumes. On the capital side of the AT market, capital orders remained strong for items such as arthroscopic camera systems with new equipment purchases as well as an increasing need for replacement capital driving demand. However, supply chain and sterilization issues continue to hinder overall sales growth in both the consumable and capital sides of the Arthroscopic Technologies market.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q422 Arthroscopic Technologies Market Recap* are:

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2 min read

The Future of Spine Enabling Tech for 2023

By Shelly Caruso on 4/4/23 9:33 AM

As the US Spine Enabling Technology Market shows signs of blossoming opportunity in 2023, SmartTRAK highlights three distinct trends continuing to gain traction in the coming year.

The US market for Spine Enabling Technology boasted modest YoY gains in nearly every quarter in 2022, showing signs of blossoming opportunity in 2023 as procedure volumes return to pre-pandemic levels. SmartTRAK projects the US Spine Enabling Technology Market will have a five-year CAGR of 25.1%, according to SmartTRAK Spine Enabling Tech Market Overview. Looking ahead, SmartTRAK sees three distinct trends continuing in 2023: the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), the increasing use of “smart” innovations in robotics and the ongoing shift of spine cases to the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) setting.

Among the trends outlined and discussed in detail in this Market Outlook article are:

Trend #1: Growing Use of AI to Optimize Surgery and Predict Outcomes
It is no secret that AI is here to stay. In recent years, advances in deep learning and deep neural networks have fueled the introduction of a wave of AI and machine learning-based solutions across various medical applications. SmartTRAK reviews the development of AI in healthcare and the implementation of AI-driven imaging in orthopedics and ...

Trends #2: Increasing use of "Smart" Drilling and Haptic Feedback in Robotics. Current evidence remains unclear whether increased accuracy of implant placement associated with robotic assistance in spine surgery translates to improved patient outcomes. Nevertheless, robotic adoption is clearly increasing with market leader MDT highlighting “record-breaking quarters” in Mazor robotics for Q4FY22. SmartTRAK estimates the US Spine Robotics Market will reach ...

Trends #3: : Ongoing Shift of Non-complex Spine to ASCs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital restrictions on non-urgent surgical cases prompted surgeons to take more cases to surgery centers. For a surgeon, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) can facilitate better economics, control and patient safety. In the pandemic aftermath, published research suggests there is a renewed focus on ...

To download and read the complete "The Future of Spine Enabling Tech for 2023" article by Shelly Caruso, SmartTRAK Market Analyst/Medical Writer, just click the button below. Download the Article

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2 min read

A Glimpse into 2023: Regen Med Trends

By Freddy Buntoum on 3/31/23 4:04 PM

PRP and Adipose Through the Looking Glass

The interest and demand for regenerative medicine for various conditions and injuries have increased exponentially over the last decade. From January 1, 1990 to December 31, 2012, google searches for regenerative medicine totaled 21,600,000. With increased publicity about stem cells and advancements in cell and gene therapies, biomaterials and tissue engineering, google searches increased nearly ten-fold to 212,000,000 from 1/1/13 to 2/27/23.

Is regenerative medicine really the way of the future? In this article, SmartTRAK looks at the macroeconomic environment going into 2023, as well as some of the latest trends, with a special focus on two segments: platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) and adipose tissue.
 
Among the may topics covered in detail in this comprehensive article are:
  • PRP Trends and the Impacts to 2023 and Beyond
    • Headwinds in 2023
    • Trends in PRP Clinical Trials
    • Anticipated 2023 US PRP Market Share Standings
  • Adipose Trends and the Impacts to 2023 and Beyond
    • Adipose tissue therapy gaining interest in the field of sports medicine
    • Patient demand for minimally-invasive solutions
    • Adipose-derived cell therapies for OA and Degenerative Disc Disease
So is regenerative medicine the way of the future? Time will tell, however, SmartTRAK feels that demand and interest by multiple stakeholders, along with recent trends, medical and legal advancements and investments is tipping the scale to ...

To download and read the complete "A Glimpse into 2023: Regen Med Trends" article by Freddy Buntoum, SmartTRAK's Senior Analyst, Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine, just click the button below.Download the Article

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2 min read

AAOS 2023: Total Joint Viewpoint

By Lisa Mahan on 3/27/23 11:00 AM

AAOS approaches “Next to Normal” as surgeons and industry focus on solutions to meet the needs of patients returning to joint replacement

If an ad agency had branded the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2023 Annual Meeting this year, the tagline would have read “Getting back to normal.” Surgeons toured the exhibit hall throughout the day not just during dedicated hours. The meeting felt as if it had come back to life with industry symposiums and conference presentations often seeing standing-room-only crowds when a few years ago even the exhibit floor felt like a ghost town. And while some of the large orthopedic companies slightly scaled down their booth space, several mid-tier and small market players increased their presence at the meeting in an attempt to pique surgeon interest. So what was the buzz at AAOS 2023 related to hip and knee replacement? In this article, SmartTRAK outlines some of the key takeaways, including: 
  • Procedure Recovery May Signal Return of Deferred Procedures
    • Both clinicians and company representatives at the meeting revealed to SmartTRAK that they are seeing increased hip and knee procedure volumes heading into 2023. The overall consensus was ...

  • The Move to Outpatient Joint Replacement Continues.
    • Data presented at AAOS 2023 continues to support the move of joint replacement surgeries to an outpatient setting. A study focusing on patient satisfaction after outpatient joint replacement in an academic medical center reported ...

  • Cementless Knee Trend Growing Despite Mixed Results
    • Clinical evidence presented at AAOS showed mixed results for cementless total knees with some studies reporting excellent outcomes and others identifying increased risks associated with ...

  • Assistive Technologies Growing and Evolving
    • Assistive technology presentations and booth exhibits seemed to generate the most interest at AAOS 2023. Elise Wolf, SmartTRAK’s assistive technologies expert, noted the most innovative products and ...

To download and read the complete "AAOS 2023: Total Joint Viewpoint" article by SmartTRAK's Lisa Mahan,  VP Product Development & IT, Sr. Analyst TJ&E, just click the button below. Download the AAOS 2023 Article

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2 min read

Compression Therapy Trends to Watch in 2023 and Beyond

By Terry Hayslett on 3/27/23 9:41 AM

SmartTRAK identifies the top trends impacting the Compression Therapy Market in 2023 and beyond, including reimbursement, diagnostic aids, 3M’s spin-off and growth in compression wraps.

Over the next several years, reimbursement changes in the US could impact the US Compression Therapy Market, In 2020, SmartTRAK noted that industry participants should expect increased activity from US advocacy groups seeking to raise awareness of reimbursement restrictions on compression therapy products. 

Among the top trends impacting the Compression Market in 2023 covered in detail in this article are:

  • Trend #1: Expanding Coverage of Lymphedema Compression Therapy
    •  In December 2022, advocacy efforts were rewarded when legislators added coverage of lymphedema compression treatment items to the $1.7 trillion US Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (H.R. 2617). Among many other provisions, the Bill provides Medicare coverage of ...

  • Trend #2: Innovation in Diagnostic Aids
    • The lack of objective measurement of lymphatic function hinders the effective diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema. Lymphedema is typically diagnosed based on a patient’s underlying risk factors and physical symptoms. In some cases, imaging technology such as ...

  • Trend #3: 3M’s Health Care Spin-off Shifting Market Dynamics
    • SmartTRAK noted in a recent article that 3M’s spin-off of its Health Care business could lead to a more focused and stronger leader in advanced wound care. SmartTRAK does not categorize compression therapy as advanced wound care, however, compression is ...

  • Trend #4: Growth in Compression Wraps
    • SmartTRAK continues to track the growth of compression wraps via publicly available data sources. Compression wraps are growing strong in the UK, driven by the belief that the products improve patient compliance, reduce the need for professional intervention and are more cost-effective. The same drivers support growth in the US; however, the US Medicare system only provides reimbursement of compression wraps for qualifying wounds ...

To download and read the complete "Compression Therapy Trends to Watch in 2023 and Beyond" article by Terry Hayslett, SmartTRAK's Senior Analyst, Advanced Wound Care. just click the button below. Download the Article

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2 min read

Strong Revenue Growth: Q422 Total Joints Market Highlights

By Lisa Mahan on 3/24/23 9:42 AM

Procedure recovery above Q4 seasonality, new products and assistive tech push strong revenue growth

  For Q422, the US Hip Replacement Market grew +8.4% according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard . Newer products, implant pull-through from assistive technologies and procedure recovery continued to positively impact growth. Nearly all companies in our reporting universe cited procedure recovery as a growth driver.
 
The US Knee Replacement Market grew +9.3% in Q422, driven in part by knee procedure recovery. Recovery appeared to be above that of the typical year-end seasonality of patients trying to fit in surgery before insurance deductibles reset. SmartTRAK has heard rumblings that the growth seen in Q4 may be a sign that ...
 

To read more about the strong revenue growth in the Total Joints Market, including Procedure Recovery, New Products and Assistive Technologies Driving Growth in the Hip Market and Cementless Knees and Enabling Tech Expanding the Knee Market, just click the link below.

 
* This link and the complete unedited article can only be viewed by SmartTRAK  subscribers to this module. For more information on SmartTRAK, including how to receive a demo and subscribe, please  click  the button below.Learn More about Subscribing to SmartTRAK
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2 min read

The 2023 Market Outlook for Advanced Dressings in Europe

By Lennart Stadler on 3/21/23 9:36 AM

From new products to macroeconomic headwinds and some regulatory turbulence, SmartTRAK looks at trends to watch for in Europe in 2023.

The European Advanced Dressing Market is forecast to grow at a 2021-2026E CAGR of +3.2%, according to SmartTRAK estimates. The market grew +2.9% in Q322 and +4.8% YTD, impacted by strong growth in H122 (+5.8%).

Advanced Dressings is a market that is spread relatively evenly across geographies, with Europe holding a 43.9% share of the worldwide (WW) market, with the US Advanced Dressings Market at a 28.5% share and ROW 27.6%.

In this 2023 Market Outlook article, SmartTRAK highlights market and regulatory factors that will affect growth in the European Advanced Dressing Market in 2023, including:
  • New Product Launches Coming Back
  • Transitioning to the European Medical Device Regulations
  • Continued Macroeconomic Headwinds in Specific Countries
  • The Reimbursement-Related Threat of Silver Dressings in Germany
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2 min read

Navigating Choppy Waters: Q422 Neuromodulation Market Recap

By Anne Staylor on 3/20/23 10:06 AM

While the macro environment is improving, some neuromodulation companies and segments navigated choppy waters in Q422

While the macro environment continued to improve in Q422, the waters remain choppy for some neuromodulation companies and segments.  Competitors are making gains on new and differentiated product offerings, strengthening demand and expanding indications. These gains are offset by the residual effects of the pandemic, reimbursement challenges, stubborn inflationary pressures and currency exchange headwinds." For FY22, the spinal cord stimulation (SCS) segment showed signs of recovery by year-end while deep brain stimulation (DBS) slowed on replacement headwinds for some companies.
 
Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q422 Neuromodulation Market Recap* article:
  • Complete Q422 Neuromodulation Market Overview
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
  • All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Sees Growth Exiting 2022
  • Macro Environment Improving
  • Innovation, Expanding Indications Driving Growth
  • Potential Payer Headwinds
  • DBS Slows on Replacement Headwinds, Share Shifts
  • Q422 Clinical/Regulatory Highlights
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2 min read

US Surgical Matrices Rebound: Q422 Market Recap

By Doug Devens on 3/17/23 9:30 AM

Breast Matrices rebound and grow modestly as AbbVie’s competitors take over market share. Biosynthetic and hybrid xenograft hernia matrices continue to drive growth in Hernia Matrices.

The US Surgical Matrices Market resumed its pre-pandemic trends, gaining +3.2% YoY according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. AbbVie* and Becton Dickinson* (BD) remained in first and second positions, respectively, in the Q422 Surgical Matrices market. AbbVie held on to its leadership despite  a -4.4% YoY decline, while BD gained +6.1% YoY.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q422 US Surgical Matrices Market Recap* are:

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2 min read

Saluda Medical: Changing the Game in Spinal Cord Stimulation

By Anne Staylor on 3/14/23 9:54 AM

Saluda Medical President and CEO Jim Schuermann discusses the Company, the Evoke System and changing the game in SCS in an interview with SmartTRAK

With the US launch of the Evoke System, Saluda Medical is changing the game in spinal cord stimulation (SCS). At the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) Annual meeting in Las Vegas in January, researchers presented impressive 36-month data from the Company’s Evoke Study and the Company was showcasing its Evoke System for the first time on the NANS exhibit hall floor. As the first commercially available closed-loop SCS system using evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs), Evoke is unlike anything on the market. The technology automatically adjusts stimulation to maintain precise and consistent neural activation to the spinal cord for the treatment of intractable low back and leg pain. The Company received FDA PMA for Evoke in February 2022 and announced a limited US commercial release in December 2022, calling it the first and only ‘SmartSCS” in the US.

Saluda Medical President and CEO Jim Schuermann discusses bringing Evoke System to market, the Company’s US launch and commercialization plans, the newest generation of Evoke, his vision for the future and Evoke’s potential impact on the market in an interview with SmartTRAK. Click the button below to download and read a complete transcript of the interview. Download the Interview Transcript

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2 min read

2023 US Hernia Matrices Outlook: Recent Trends and Potential Impact

By Doug Devens on 3/10/23 9:41 AM

SmartTRAK reviews recent trends in hernia matrices and their potential impact on the US Hernia Matrices Market, which is projected to reach $1.06B in 2023 according to SmartTRAK.

Incisional hernia procedures reached a peak in the mid-2000s, with a gradual decline as surgeons performed fewer abdominal procedures and researchers investigated new techniques for closure. While improved stitching for closure has had mixed results, surgeons are trying other new approaches to reduce incisional hernias such as MSI’s DuraMesh* and Deep Blue Medical’s T-line mesh* which are being used prophylactically.

In this Market Outlook article, we cover in detail:

  • Synthetic Matrices Poised for Slow Down
  • Alternatives to Synthetic Matrices Gaining Favor
    • Xenograft Matrices
    • Resorbable Meshes
    • Reinforced Xenograft Matrices
  • Expert Analysis and Conclusions
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2 min read

What Lies Ahead For Orthobiologics in 2023 and Beyond

By Kim French on 3/6/23 9:30 AM

Market Dynamics, Industry Moves and Technology Advancements 

In 2022, the Orthobiologics Market encountered both ups and downs. Though companies are still reporting year-end results, SmartTRAK feels the Orthobiologics Market finished on a high note. The 2022 challenges, such as staffing shortages at healthcare facilities, supply chain constraints and inflation, may cause headwind in 2023, stifling some growth.

Nevertheless, SmartTRAK anticipates the potential downsides will be offset by elective procedures returning to pre-COVID levels, along with progressive, transitional initiatives by select market players that have the potential to reshape certain orthobiologics segment landscapes.

Among the many topics covered in this Market Outlook article are:

  • Reshaping the Competitive Landscape
  • Shifts in the US Bone Replacement Market
  • Advancements in Osteobiologics
  • Shifts in the US Sports Medicine Market
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3 min read

Advanced Oxygen Therapy, Inc: The Value of Durable Healing

By Kris Flinn on 3/3/23 3:41 PM

SmartTRAK interviews Advanced Oxygen Therapy Inc CEO and President Dr. Mike Griffiths to discuss how durable healing can improve health equality

Oxygen-based therapies have been used on chronic wounds for many years. In a recent article on the 2023 Oxygen and Energy Market, SmartTRAK expressed the view that the Topical Oxygen Therapy Market will grow at a significant rate and that Advanced Oxygen Therapy Inc* is likely to be the biggest driver of that growth. The Company has established a solid evidence base for its TWO2* system, a Topical Wound Oxygen therapy system which applies cyclical pressurized directly to a patient’s wound at home or in a healthcare facility. SmartTRAK talked with the company Medical Director, President and CEO, Dr. Mike Griffiths, about the journey that the company has been on so far, how durable healing and patient-led home care can reduce health inequalities and why the company has recently entered the Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Market.

To find out more about Advanced Oxygen Therapy Inc, click on the following video to listen to the recorded interview (27:56 min). A complete transcript of the interview is available here. For more details, interview topics by timecode are provided below.

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2 min read

Oxygen & Energy Devices in Wound Care: Outlook for 2023

By Kris Flinn on 3/2/23 9:21 AM

With many of the “hard yards” already run, SmartTRAK believes that 2023 could be a promising year for the Oxygen and Energy segments of the Advanced Wound Care Market.

SmartTRAK estimates the 2021 WW Oxygen and Energy Market at just over $50.0MM. While this is not an insignificant amount, it trails far behind other Advanced Wound Care markets such as Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) and Biologics. Last year, however, showed signs that clinicians are starting to realize the potential of these technologies. Here SmartTRAK looks at how some of the existing players in the markets for oxygen and energy therapies may show increased success in 2023 and why some of the leading wound care companies may soon be taking their first steps into these markets.

Among the many topics covered in this article are:

Topics: Wound Care
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9 min read

What's New in Orthopedics Research & Development

By Thomas Wallick on 2/27/23 11:28 AM

In recent years, there have been significant advances in orthopedic treatments, surgical techniques and rehabilitation methods that have transformed the way we approach musculoskeletal disorders.SmartTRAK continues to report daily, in real-time on the challenges still ahead, covering all aspects of the Orthopedic market: Extremities, OrthoBio, Spine, Computer Assisted Surgery, Total Joints, Trauma, Soft Tissue Fixation and EU Extremities and Trauma.

SmartTRAK features curated content by our team of industry experts, bringing the most relevant information and insight directly to you in real-time. Learn about the latest news, emerging technologies or start-ups to watch, conference happenings and more via articles, videos and interviews and Be The Expert.

The following is just a small sampling of recent Orthopedic updates from around the world compiled, reviewed and posted daily by our SmartTRAK analysts.

New Products:

  • NuVasive*

    NUVA spoke about its upcoming product launches, including an expandable Lateral called MOD-EX XLIF and extended blade-fixation options for Modulus ALIF, and predicted that both will support the continued interest in NUVA. NUVA Q422 Earnings Transcripton Seeking Alpha

  • GMED mgmt stated the ortho robot will launch w/ a knee application first w/ other applications to follow, noting it is unlikely that gap-filling joint implant systems would be launched prior to the knee application for robotics. GMED Q422 Earnings Transcript on Seeking Alpha

  • CurvaFix announced a it will launch the 7.5 mm CurvaFix IM Implant, which received FDA clearance in Oct 2022, at this year’s AAOS annual meeting in Las Vegas. BusinessWire

Patents:

  • SeaSpine*

    7D Surgical was granted US Patent “Systems And Methods For Intraoperative Spinal Level Verification” disclosing the use of segmented surface data from volumetic pt image data compared w/ intra-op surface data to verify spine levels w/o x-rays. 11564752

  • Method for Treating Joint Pain  

    US Patent "Method for treating joint pain" was granted relating to treating joint pain by inserting a bone dowel and BMA into the subchondral of a bone and introducing BMA into the intra-articular space of the joint being treated. 11583402

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2 min read

Total Joints Trends Heading Into 2023

By Lisa Mahan on 2/27/23 9:00 AM

SmartTRAK examines conditions lowering the flame for Total Joints

Procedural growth strengthened in 2022 giving rise to the hope that a backlog of patients created by the COVID pandemic would return to surgery, stoking the fires of Total Joint Market recovery. However, external market forces appear to be setting the market to simmer in 2023 while other forces influence the recipe for success for market players.
 
An analyst from JP Morgan has  drawn  parallels between the current behavior of the US stock and bond markets and the conditions leading up to the 1969 recession, according to a recent  Forbes  article. Interest rate hikes and high inflation have increased the likelihood that the US economy will face a recession in 2023. But what does that mean for the Total Joints Market?
 

Among the many topics covered in detail in this comprehensive article are:

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2 min read

2023 Extremities Trends to Watch

By Lisa Mahan on 2/21/23 12:17 PM

SmartTRAK highlights trends affecting the US Extremities Market in 2023

The Extremities Market continues to be a hotbed of activity heading into 2023. SmartTRAK highlights trends that will continue to affect the US Market for Extremities in 2023, including CMS reimbursement obstacles, new product introductions and potential mergers and acquisitions.
 

Among the many topics covered in detail in this comprehensive article are:

  • SmartTRAK's Expert Market Analysis and Insights
  • Outpatient Shoulder Replacement Growing Despite Lack of CMS Reimbursement
  • New Shoulders May Heat Up Competition
  • New Ankle Products and Technologies May Boost Growth
  • New Products, DTC and Potential M&As Heat Up Extremities Fixation
  • M&As on the Horizon

To download and read the complete "2023 Extremities Trends to Watch" article, just click the button below.Download the Extremities Trends Article

The countdown to AAOS 2023 on March 7-11 in Las Vegas has begun and the SmartTRAK team will be attending...see you there!

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2 min read

SmartTRAK is Seeking a Medtech Marketing Coordinator

By Gabriele Nichols on 2/17/23 10:26 AM

Do you love working with a dynamic, experienced team of marketing and sales professionals? Are you looking for a position that leverages your industry knowledge and marketing skills in new ways? Do you thrive in a start-up like atmosphere with plans for exponential growth? If you are a current or former marketing professional who has worked within the Life Sciences (especially medical device) industry, we would love to talk with you.

SmartTRAK is the leading strategic advisory and healthcare analytics provider in the orthopedic, wound care, neuro therapies and regenerative medicine markets. Our customers — which include most of the largest global orthopedic and wound care companies -- rely on our “insights-as-a-service” platform for their market research and business intelligence. We are expanding our team by seeking an experienced marketing associate to drive a variety of key marketing initiatives. This person will be responsible for coordinating with the Marketing, Sales and Customer Success teams to increase awareness of SmartTRAK, including through social media, email, website, paid advertising and events.

We’re looking for a conscientious, team-player, who can thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial/small business environment. Our candidate is comfortable working remotely and is both collaborative and self-driven. They must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to utilize a variety of marketing tools. Click the button below to learn more and apply.

Learn More and Apply

Topics: Medtech
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2 min read

Focus on Skin Substitutes and Debridement: 2023 Boswick Symposium

By Gary Delhougne on 2/14/23 9:33 AM

New products from Kerecis, Vericel, Epien, PixaMed and the role of debridement take center stage.

The 45 th  Annual JAB Maui Burn & Wound Symposium met on January 21-26 with a significant focus on the use of skin substitutes and proper wound bed debridement. Though some clinical presentations focused on chronic, surgical and other trauma wounds, burns dominated the agenda. Compared to diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), pressure injuries and other chronic wounds, there are fewer burns, but their unique treatment requirements and impact on patients increase the importance of targeted therapies. In the US,   SmartTRAK estimates there were approximately 496,530 burns requiring treatment in 2021 with 40,870 burns requiring hospitalization. SmartTRAK estimates the burn market will reach 513,550 cases requiring treatment by 2026 with hospitalization for 42,270 cases (+0.7% 5-year CAGR).

Treating burns with skin substitutes dominated the clinical presentations and discussions on the exhibit hall floor. A close second discussion point was the role of proper wound bed preparation or debridement. This article highlights new products from Kerecis*,Vericel*, Epien Medical, PixaMedand the role of debridement in wound healing.  

Among the many topics covered in detail in the complete article, which is available as a download, are:

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3 min read

Spotlight on Medtronic Neuromodulation: NANS 2023

By Anne Staylor on 2/10/23 11:40 AM

Medtronic executives Nnamdi Njoku and Charlie Covert discuss Medtronic’s latest initiatives in Neuromodulation in an interview with SmartTRAK at NANS 2023

Nnamdi Njoku, Medtronic’s Senior Vice President and President Neuromodulation, and Charlie Covert, Vice President and General Manager of Pain Therapies, discuss what’s new for Medtronic Neuromodulation, expected market growth in 2023 and strategies for driving growth in spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) in an interview with SmartTRAK at the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) 26th Annual Meeting held January 12-15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

To find out more about the Company’s latest innovations, expanding indications and what’s next for Medtronic Neuromodulation, click on the following video recorded live at NANS 2023. (27:57 minutes.) Specific interview topics by time code are outlined below. A link to download a complete transcript of the interview is also provided below.

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2 min read

Current Trends in Sports Medicine

By Andy Knapik on 2/2/23 10:20 AM

Dr. Scott Sigman, founder and chief medical officer of OrthoLazer Orthopedic Laser Centers and host of the Ortho Show podcast, discusses current trends in arthroscopic sports medicine and orthopedic care in an in-depth interview with SmartTRAK.

In an interview with SmartTRAK, Scott Sigman, MD discusses many trends in arthroscopic technologies and soft tissue fixation including advancements in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair with the BEAR Implant, graft selection in ACL reconstruction, the Stryker InSpace Balloon for massive rotator cuff tears, advancements in Latarjet, needle arthroscopy and more. Dr. Sigman is the chief medical officer and founder of OrthoLazer Orthopedic Laser Centers and the host of the Ortho Show podcast. 

To find out more about Dr. Sigman’s insights on sports medicine and arthroscopy, click on the following video to watch Andy Knapik, SmartTRAK's Sr. Analyst, Soft Tissue Fixation and Arthroscopic Enabling Technologies, interview Dr. Sigman (49:55 min). A complete transcript of the interview is available here. For more details, interview topics by timecode are provided below.

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5 min read

SmartTRAK's Top 10 Blog Posts of 2022

By Thomas Wallick on 2/2/23 9:00 AM

As the COVID-19 epidemic waned and companies got back to business as usual, SmartTRAK continued to keep you informed of everything that transpired in the MedTech industry in 2022. Here are SmartTRAK's Top 10 blog posts of the past year that garnered the most attention from you and your colleagues, plus 4 bonus posts, because at SmartTRAK we always strive to deliver more than what's expected!

As the leading provider of real-time market data and analysis for the orthopedic, wound, regenerative medicine and neuro therapies markets, SmartTRAK is uniquely suited to make you the expert on all the latest developments. Our knowledgeable analysts covered a lot of ground, everything from breaking medical device event coverage to interviews with some of the industry's top thought leaders.

Medtronic: The Future of Neuromodulation in 2022 and Beyond
by Anne Staylor

Dave Anderson, Medtronic’s President Neuromodulation, and Charlie Covert, Vice President and General Manager of Pain Therapies, discuss the Company, the pandemic and the future of neuromodulation in a wide-ranging interview with SmartTRAK.

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2 min read

Emerging Technologies in Neurointervention

By Anne Staylor on 1/31/23 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK identifies emerging technologies at the most recent SNIS and ESMINT meetings that have the potential to disrupt the market for neurointervention.

In the market for neurovascular devices, companies continue to innovate and are focusing research and development efforts into novel technologies that could lead to improved outcomes and help fuel growth in the market for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke devices. At two recent neurointerventional meetings, the Society for NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) 19th Annual meeting and the 14th European Society for Minimally Invasive Neurological Therapy (ESMINT) Congress 2022, SmartTRAK identified emerging technologies that could potentially disrupt the neurovascular market over the next two to five years. This includes enabling technologies for neurointerventional procedures, novel approaches to aspiration for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and innovation in intrasaccular flow disruption devices.

Among the many interesting topics covered in this informative article are:

  • Enabling Technologies for Neurointervention
    • Corindus' CorPath GRX System
    • Robotic-assisted Neuroendovascular Navigation
  • Update on Aspiration
    • Cyclical Aspiration
    • Modulated Aspiration
  • Advances in Intrasaccular Flow Disruption Devices
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3 min read

Personalized Arthroplasty: The Future of Total Joint Surgery?

By Nick Fitzpatrick on 1/26/23 10:22 AM

SmartTRAK interviews Dr. Pascal-André Vendittoli to learn more about the Personalized Arthroplasty Society and this year’s annual meeting.

Dr. Vendittoli explains the difference between mechanical and kinematic alignment, what he looks for in total joint computer-assisted surgery systems and why he thinks personalized arthroplasty is the future of joint surgery. To find out more, listen to the SmartTRAK interview with Dr. Vendittoli in the video below (14:56 min). A link to download the transcript of the complete interview is also provided below.
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3 min read

The Future of PEKK in Orthopedics: An Interview w/ Oxford Performance Materials' Scott Felice

By Nick Fitzpatrick on 1/23/23 10:18 AM

SmartTRAK interviews Oxford Performance Materials CEO Scott DeFelice to learn more about the company’s PEKK-based materials solutions in orthopedics.

In an interview with   SmartTRAK, Oxford Performance Materials’ (OPM) CEO Scott DeFelice explains the history of his company, the difference between PEKK, PEEK and titanium-based implants and the Company’s future plans in the orthopedic space.

To find out more, including OPM’s plan to expand into the custom trauma market and its planned release of an all-polymer total knee, just click on the following video to listen to the full interview. (29:13 min).  A link to download a transcript of the complete interview is also provided below.

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2 min read

Headwinds Persist: Q322 Arthroscopic Technologies Market Recap

By Andy Knapik on 1/20/23 11:01 AM

Headwinds persist for the Arthroscopic Technologies Market in Q322

With most of the major headwinds caused by COVID-19 in the rear-view mirror, the Arthroscopic Technologies (AT) Market showed growth in the third quarter with WW Arthroscopic Technologies revenues up +4.2% over Q321. The quarter saw a continued rise in procedural volumes globally that resulted in growth for the AT disposables market which trends with case volumes. On the capital side of the AT Market, capital spending and demand remained strong for items such as arthroscopic camera systems with new equipment purchases as well as an increasing need for replacement capital driving demand.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q322 Arthroscopic Technologies Market Recap* are:

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2 min read

The Past, Present and Future of 3M Health Care

By Susan Paquette on 1/17/23 9:18 AM

With the recent announcement that 3M is spinning off its Health Care division, SmartTRAK looks back at the evolution of 3M Health Care, its businesses today, the entry into Advanced Wound Care (AWC) and potential new opportunities for the new Health Care business.

3M, a large, diversified company with annual sales of $35.4B in 2021 announced earlier this year plans to spin-off its Health Care business into a new public company. Today, 3M markets thousands of products through four business groups: Safety and Industrial, Transportation and Electronics, Health Care and Consumer. Post-spin-off, 3M will continue as a leading global material science innovator, while the new stand-alone business will seek to become a global diversified healthcare company focused on wound care, healthcare IT, oral care and biopharma filtration.

Download "The Past, Present and Future of 3M Health Care" Article
Among the many topics covered in this fascinating article are:

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2 min read

A Shifting Procedural Landscape: Q322 Spine Market Recap

By Courtney Sheedy on 1/12/23 9:52 AM

SmartTRAK reports that Q322 Spine Market performance drove a lack of consensus on operational performance metrics, while a shifting procedural landscape offered new product opportunities for small and mid-tier players, driving competitive pressure.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q322 Spine Market Recap* are:

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2 min read

Neuromodulation Trends: SmartTRAK at NANS 2023

By Thomas Wallick on 1/10/23 9:00 AM

SmartTRAK takes a look back at Neuromodulation Trends in 2022 and looks forward to reporting on emerging trends at NANS 2023

Anne Staylor, SmartTRAK's Executive Editor VP & GM, Neuro Therapies, will again be attending and reporting on the North American Neuromodulation Society Annual Meeting (NANS), this year being held in Las Vegas, January 12-15th. If you would like to meet with Anne while at NANS, just click here.

Last year, Anne published a prescient article from the NANS 25th Annual Meeting titled "Neuromodulation Trends in 2022 and Beyond" in which she identified key trends from the meeting in Orlando and provided an outlook of what’s on the horizon for neuromodulation. This included trends in research and technology that will help shape the markets for spinal cord stimulation (SCS), deep brain stimulation (DBS) and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), advances in closed-loop therapies, improving care through digital solutions and driving growth through expanding indications.

To download and read the complete "Neuromodulation Trends in 2022 and Beyond" article, just click here.  

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2 min read

Continuing the Ascent: Q322 US Surgical Matrices Market Recap

By Doug Devens on 1/9/23 10:47 AM

Biosynthetic hernia matrices continue their ascent and Xenograft hernia matrices grow, thanks to TELA Bio.

As elective surgical procedures settle into pre-pandemic levels, the US Surgical Matrices Market resumed trends that had begun prior to Q322, gaining +2.4% YoY according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. AbbVie* and Becton Dickinson* (BD) have been trading share positions in the last few quarters and now once again AbbVie has first place in the Q322 Surgical Matrices market despite of a -5.4% YoY decline, with BD In second place.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q322 US Surgical Matrices Market Recap* are:

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2 min read

New Products and Easier Comps Drive US Growth: Q322 Trauma Market Recap

By Natasha Weeks on 1/3/23 9:30 AM

Despite declining OUS results, the US Trauma Market experienced healthy growth attributed to adoption of new products.

While OUS results declined in Q322 due to foreign currency headwinds and China’s value-based pricing, the US drove the overall market through product penetration and easier comps due to the Q321 COVID waves that impacted procedural volumes last year. Companies posted healthy US growth, attributing new products for driving growth, with plans for additional launches in Q4 and 2023.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q322 Trauma Market Recap* are:

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2 min read

Wrestling with Issues and Headwinds: Q322 Neuromodulation Market Recap

By Anne Staylor on 12/29/22 9:30 AM

Growth in the SCS and DBS segments remained soft in Q322 as companies continue to wrestle with macro-environmental issues and currency headwinds

Neuromodulation continued to face a challenging macro environment in Q322 related to stubborn inflationary pressures, currency exchange headwinds and unpredictable surges in COVID affecting supply chains and healthcare staffing in certain geographies. However, some competitors reported seeing steady signs of improvement in the quarter and are looking to expanded indications and new technologies to help drive growth.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q322 Neuromodulation Market Recap* are:

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2 min read

Trends in ADM Use from ASPS 2022

By Doug Devens on 12/20/22 9:30 AM

Surgeons are concerned about the cost of breast matrices in an increasingly restrictive environment, but alternatives may be on the horizon according to key discussions at the 2022 Plastic Surgery: The Meeting.

Breast matrices are used to cover breast implants in breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast surgeries. The matrices have become in effect standard of care in these surgeries, though they do not have FDA-approved indications for breast reconstruction or cosmetic breast surgeries. Moreover, the FDA has in recent years, issued warning letters and communications related to breast matrices. In 2015, the FDA issued warning letters reminding several companies that they did not ...

To read the complete "Trends in ADM Use from ASPS 2022" article by Doug Devens, SmartTRAK's Product Director/Sr. Analyst - Wound, in which  he shares observations from the ASPS sessions and the potential implications for the Breast Matrices Market, just click the following link.

Download the complete "Trends in ADM" Article

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2 min read

A Tidal Wave of Competitors: Q322 CAS Spine Market Recap

By Shelly Caruso on 12/19/22 6:41 PM

Q322 sees a tidal wave of new robotic spine surgery competitors as well as data-driven initiatives under development by a host of companies in the market for spine enabling tech.

Q322 was nothing short of a tidal wave of competitive entrants to the US Spine Robotic Surgery space. Medtronic* (MDT) and  Globus* remain top players as OUS companies like France’s  eCential Robotics* and Taiwan’s  Point Robotics MedTech* set their sights on the US market. The Q322 WW CAS Spine Market was up, according to  SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. MDT remained the market leader with 49.0% share, followed by Globus and other enabling tech competitors like Brainlab* and Stryker* (SYK).

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q322 CAS Spine Market Recap* are:

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2 min read

Raging Like a Beast: Q322 US Joint Fluid Replacement Market Recap

By Freddy Buntoum on 12/16/22 9:30 AM

CMS Reimbursement changes raging like a beast to belabor several HA market players

For Q322, the true impact of CMS reimbursement changes was blatantly apparent, with the US Joint Fluid Replacement Market showing an overall lackluster revenue performance, with a YoY decline of -4.7% vs Q321, according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. As if the new CMS regulations were not enough, the swing toward negative growth was also driven by hyaluronic (HA) companies battling for product placement, preferred formulary status with private payers, overall inflation, and still to a certain degree, supply chain-related issues stemming from COVID-19 and subsequent waves of the different variants. Aggregate revenue being in the red for the third quarter of 2022 was mainly the result of negative YoY growth across three of the four HA segments. Still, with an anticipated hard push to more positive year-end results, the US Joint Fluid Replacement Market is trending toward achieving on or ever so slightly above  SmartTRAK’s US Joint Fluid Replacement Market Overview revenue projections

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q322 US Joint Fluid Replacement Market Recap* are:

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3 min read

Big Data is Dead. This is the Time for SmartTRAK Insights.

By Sharon O'Reilly on 12/12/22 1:53 PM


As the CEO of SmartTRAK, I understand Medtech executives often drown in data and need quick, easy access to market insights from a trusted source. According to a Forbes article Big Data is Dead. Long Live Smart Data, the “more Data-is-Better” era is over, and it is time for Smart Data. And that means a SmartTRAK subscription is more important than ever.

SmartTRAK is the Medtech’s industry first and only “Insights-as-a-Service(IaaS) solution, curating data from hundreds of data sources, including public and commercial databases as well as extensive attendance and coverage of industry conferences. Our team of industry experts and data scientists do the work for our customers, providing actionable intelligence and insights from data that is already cleaned, verified and featurized. Our proprietary data curation methodology powers the SmartTRAK platform, which can be accessed on demand 24x7 across the enterprise.

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3 min read

Bolt Navigation: Simplifying Spinal Navigation-An Interview with CEO Patrick West

By Shelly Caruso on 12/12/22 10:00 AM

SmartTRAK interviews Bolt Navigation CEO Patrick West to learn more about the Company and its potentially disruptive solution for streamlined spinal navigation.

One of the most exciting enabling technologies on display at the recent North American Spine Society (NASS) 2022 annual meeting in Chicago was the Bolt Navigation System, a novel, FDA-pending technology developed by Bolt Navigation to simplify spinal navigation. Designed by a practicing neurosurgeon, Bolt utilizes a software application to leverage the positional guidance inherent in an iPhone for intraoperative spine screw planning and placement guidance. The system works without a reference frame and can be used with a patient's diagnostic MRI or CT and a single C-arm shot once the patient is positioned. It is implant agnostic and can be attached to almost any instrument.

To find out more about Bolt Navigation and this potentially disruptive solution for streamlined spinal navigation, listen to SmartTRAK’s interview with CEO Patrick West in the following video (30:47 min). A link to a transcript of the complete interview is also provided below.

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2 min read

Elective Procedure Volumes Improving: Q322 Total Joints Market Trends

By Lisa Mahan on 12/8/22 9:30 AM

Even stronger foreign exchange headwinds inhibit revenue growth from steadily improving elective procedural trends 

Procedural volumes appear to be steadily improving overall as the COVID pandemic comes close to the end of its third year. Despite the return of procedures, foreign currency headwinds in Q322 strengthened, negatively impacting reported revenue growth for most companies in markets outside the US. Global companies with a strong international presence were most adversely affected.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q322 Total Joints Market Recap* are:

  • Complete Q322 Total Joints Market Overview and Highlights
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Analysis and Insights
  • All Company News, Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
  • Improving Procedural Volumes Leaning into Strengthening Foreign Exchange Headwinds
  • Hips: Muscle-Sparing Solutions and New Products Driving Growth
  • Knees: Assistive Tech Driving Implant Pull-Through
  • Q322 Regulatory Highlights
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3 min read

SmartTRAK is Seeking a Senior Analyst: Spine and OrthoBiologics/Regen

By Sharon O'Reilly on 12/6/22 4:08 PM

Do you love keeping up with the latest trends in the Spine and OrthoBiologics/Regen medicine markets? Are you a closet investigative reporter who loves researching and analyzing what’s going on in the market? Are you looking for a position that leverages your industry knowledge, expertise and connections in new ways? If you are a current or former marketing, market research or business development professional who has worked with one of the major orthopedic/spine companies and looking for a career change, we would love to talk with you.

We are looking to strengthen our SmartTRAK Spine and OrthoBiologics/Regen modules with the addition of a qualified person with industry specific experience. All SmartTRAK analysts are former marketing, business development or R&D professionals with one of the major orthopedic/spine suppliers and, in fact, most have come to us via recommendations from our subscribers, as well as those in the industry. We believe that having a person of this caliber with relevant experience and deep insight on the market is a tremendous value-add we can offer SmartTRAK subscribers.

We are looking for someone with Spine and OrthoBiologics/Regen industry experience who is interested in working full-time. Click the button below to learn more and apply. Learn More and Apply

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2 min read

The Future of Skin Substitute Reimbursement: SAWC Fall 2022

By Gary Delhougne on 12/6/22 9:30 AM

The potential of US reimbursement changes to Skin Substitutes weighed heavily on companies at SAWC Fall, yet subsequently, CMS decided to delay finalizing its proposed changes.

The Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Fall 2022 gathered for another year in Las Vegas. The exhibit hall was filled with most wound care manufacturers and though booth hours were short, the clinical attendees made the best of their time searching out the latest in wound care technologies.

In this articleSmartTRAK discusses:

  • Alternative Product Developments to the Skin Substitute Market 
  • Potential Impact of Proposed Reimbursement Changes
  • The Top Four Companies by Revenue 
  • CMS' Proposed Terminology Change from “Skin Substitute”
  • Packaging Skin Substitutes as “Incident to” Supplies
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10 min read

What's New in Trauma and Extremities?

By Natasha Weeks on 12/5/22 10:12 AM

In the market for Trauma & Extremities, companies continue to innovate with new product introductions as well as a value-based care approach that promotes supporting clinical evidence for new and existing products showing their benefits to the patient and the hospital. Manufacturers are investing in solutions beyond implants to differentiate themselves and gain share in the Trauma & Extremities markets. SmartTRAK has observed a variety of strategies and solutions in the fast-paced hallux valgus segment as well as investment in deformity correction and periprosthetic solutions. The following is a sample of SmartTRAK's recent Trauma & Extremities news and developments from around the world, compiled, curated and posted in real-time by the expert analysts at SmartTRAK.

We constantly monitor the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, new products, patents, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry. If you'd like to receive these expert insights daily, Contact Us to learn more. Our users think it's the perfect way to start their day.

New Products:

  • CAPTIVATE Cannulated Screw System* - Globus*

    Globus announced the launch of the CAPTIVATE Headed Cannulated Screw System in diameters 2.5/3.0 mm, 3.5/4.0 mm, 4.5/5.5 mm. SmartTRAK reviewed the products at OTA with Globus as the Company fills out its Trauma & Extremities portfolio. LinkedIn

  • Stryker launched the Gamma4 System, the next-gen IM nail system from the IM Nail market leader (45.6% US share in 2021) according to SmartTRAK’s Financial Dashboard. The new system features a precision pin, redefined nail design and integrated instrument.

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2 min read

Economics and the Shift to ASCs: SmartTRAK at AAHKS 2022

By Lisa Mahan on 11/29/22 9:30 AM

Highlighting the economic conversation at AAHKS 2022 changing the landscape of joint replacement

At the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) 2022 Annual Meeting in Dallas, SmartTRAK identified economics as a leading conversation theme under the guise of other topics. AAHKS 2022 itself was not immune to rising economic pressures as many clinicians were rumored to have backed out of attending the meeting and several exhibiting companies scaled down their participation as well. Surgeons not only attended sessions to enhance their clinical knowledge, but they also discussed facing the challenges of reduced reimbursement. In the exhibit hall, Companies featured products and technologies seemingly geared towards the shift of hip and knee replacement procedures to the more cost-conscious ambulatory surgery center (ASC) setting.

Among the many topics covered in detail in the complete article, which can be downloaded here, are:

  • Economic Pressures
  • Reimbursement Challenges 
  • The Decline of CMS Physician Primary Hip Replacement Reimbursement
  • Manufacturers Targeting ASCs, including:
    • Smith& Nephew
    • ConFormMIS
    • Exactech
    • Maxx Medical
    • DePuy Synthes
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2 min read

Key Trends in Enabling Technology for Spine: NASS 2022

By Elise Wolf on 11/28/22 10:18 AM

For the first time in recent years, robotics was not a main headline in the academic program at NASS 2022, but SmartTRAK notes that the exhibit floor was buzzing with exciting new developments in enabling technology.

Although there were limited program sessions focused solely on enabling technology at NASS 2022, the floor was abuzz with digital solutions, including recently launched and upcoming products. Based on conversations with NASS exhibitors, SmartTRAK identified key trends in the market for spine enabling technology including new spine robotic systems, augmented reality (AR) platforms and compact navigation solutions, as well as advances in surgical planning and unveiling of digital ecosystems. These innovations will help drive double-digit growth in the US market for Spine Enabling Technologies.

Among the many topics covered in detail in the complete article, which can be downloaded here, are:

  • Beyond Robotics: Leveraging Data and Ecosystems
  • Battle Bots: New Spine Robots on Display
  • Augmented Reality Positioned to Target ASCs
  • Small-Footprint Platforms and Disposable Spinal Navigation
  • Problem-Solving Differentiated Technology
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2 min read

Currency Movements Overshadow Underlying Business Growth in 2022

By Lennart Stadler on 11/22/22 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK looks at recent currency fluctuations and the impact on company performance and underlying growth in 2022

Ask CEOs what their top priority is and a vast majority will answer: “Grow top-line revenue.” Not only that, but they also want to grow faster than their peers, taking market shares. But how do you determine if one company is performing better than the other when company reporting includes varying currency rates and geographies? In this article, SmartTRAK discusses different types of financial reporting, compares the recent impact of currency movement on companies competing in the Advanced Wound Care (AWC) Market and reviews the best metric for assessing company performance and underlying growth across companies.

Among the many topics covered in detail in this fascinating article, which can be downloaded in its entirety here, are:

  • Financial Reporting: Comparing Apples to Apples
  • Currency Impact on Reported Growth
  • Q222 Growth Details for Key Wound Companies
  • Currency Impact per Quarter in % by Key Wound Companies
  • Currency Impact Over Time
  • Organic Growth Over Time
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1 min read

Trends and Advancements in Foot & Ankle: AOFAS 2022

By Natasha Weeks on 11/17/22 9:38 AM

SmartTRAK highlights new products and Company strategies to penetrate the Foot & Ankle space at AOFAS 2022

SmartTRAK identified several key themes and takeaways from the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) 2022 meeting held recently in Quebec City, Canada. Manufacturers showcased product introductions with a continued focus on hallux valgus solutions and are investing in solutions beyond implants to differentiate themselves and gain share in the US Foot & Ankle Market.

Among the many topics covered in detail in the complete article, which can be downloaded here, are:

  • Small, Niche Players Attempt to Gain Share
    • Globus Fills Out Trauma and Extremities Product Portfolios
    • Enovis Showcases New Products and Gains Traction in F&A Space
  • Direct-To-Consumer Marketing Drives Growth in Hallux Valgus Market
    • Treace Medical Outpaces Others
    • Medartis Showcases New Products
    • JNJ/DePuy/Synthes' Acquisition
    • Paragon28 Focuses on the MIS Segment

To download the complete "AOFAS 2022: Trends and Advancements in Foot & Ankle" article by SmartTRAK's Natasha Weeks, Sr. Analyst, Trauma & Extremities, just click the button below.Download the AOFAS 2022 Article

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2 min read

Trends and Advancements in Trauma: OTA 2022

By Natasha Weeks on 11/14/22 11:34 AM

SmartTRAK highlights the latest trends and innovations at OTA 2022, with a focus on deformity correction and limb lengthening.

Our expert analysts focus in on the latest advancements, key trends and takeaways from the Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA) meeting in Tampa, Florida held October 12–15, 2022. Major trauma manufacturers showcased innovation through new product introductions.

Stepping Outside of Internal Fixation

In the market for ring fixation devices, companies have been innovating beyond static frames and are developing dynamic, computer-assisted hexapod frames to treat bone fractures and deformity corrections. One of the challenges with hexapod frames is that they require manual strut adjustments, a process that is prone to patient and clinician error and can require up to 20 manual adjustments per day—a definite burden on the patient and caregiver ...

Download the complete "Key Trends & Advancements in Trauma" Article

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2 min read

Orthobio & Regen Medicine Highlights from the ICRS 16th World Congress - Berlin 2022

By Freddy Buntoum on 11/11/22 9:42 AM

Highlighting the latest research, technology developments and innovations taking place in orthobiologics and regenerative medicine at ICRS 2022

This year the International Cartilage Regenerative & Joint Preservation Society (ICRS) hosted its 16th World Congress in Berlin, Germany, and SmartTRAK covered it. This was the Society’s first in-person meeting since October 2019, and without a doubt, a very exciting moment for ICRS, its members and all who attended the event. For four days, industry stakeholders from around the world converged in Berlin to learn and hear about the latest research, technology developments and innovations taking place in orthobiologics and regenerative medicine. In this article, SmartTRAK gives a recap of some of the main topics presented during the meeting.

Among the many fascinating topics covered in the complete article, which can be downloaded here, are:

  • The Role of Extracellular Vesicles 
  • Use of Minced Cartilage
  • Autologous, Matrix-induced Chondrogenesis 
  • Feasibility of Gene Therapy
  • Other Therapies of Tomorrow
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3 min read

SmartTRAK Advances Medtech Market Insights Platform - New Wound Care and Orthopedic/Spine Injectables Modules Added

By Gabriele Nichols on 11/8/22 3:30 PM

SmartTRAK, the leading global Medtech business and market insights platform in the Orthopedics, Wound Care, Regenerative Medicine and Neuro Therapy markets, announces the expansion of its solutions portfolio focused on new market coverage for Wound Debridement and Injectables for spinal disc degeneration and osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

SmartTRAK is an Insights-as-a-Service platform that equips customers with real-time, accurate market, company and product insights from hundreds of carefully curated data sources. The solution includes rich content provided through a SaaS platform and includes daily updates, tools and dashboards along with direct access to market analysts and expert advisory services.

Wound Debridement, a newly covered segment offered on the SmartTRAK platform, is foundational to wound healing and the success of every advanced wound care product. According to Wound Care market expert and General Manager Gary Delhougne, “our new module will cover the full scope of the debridement market opportunity and will be beneficial to companies directly participating or contemplating entering into the debridement space.” The Wound Debridement module is now widely available to customers.

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3 min read

Digital Solutions in the Wound Care Arena: An Interview w/ Sofia Heddson Fransén

By Anikó Szekér on 11/8/22 9:00 AM

Sofia Heddson Fransén, Essity’s Global Solution Owner, Intelligent Medical Solutions discusses the Company’s recent digital app launch as well as current and future trends in the digital field in an interview with SmartTRAK at SAWC Fall 2022.

Digital healthcare plays an increasingly important role in healthcare today. In the face of global concerns related to epidemics and pandemics, high costs and the effects of staff shortages, digital health-related technology continues to grow in importance and evolve. A broad scope of stakeholders are involved in the digital health field, including patients, practitioners, application developers and medical device manufacturers and distributors.

To find out more about Essity and the Company’s initiatives around digital solutions in wound care, click the video below to listen to the interview in which Sofia Heddson Fransén, Essity’s Global Solution Owner, Intelligent Medical Solutions, discusses the Company’s recent digital app launch and what the current and future trends in the digital field (05.33 min) are. A link to download the complete interview transcript is also provided below.

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2 min read

Meet Sara Cooley - Relationship Manager, Customer Success

By Thomas Wallick on 11/4/22 1:44 PM

We are pleased to announce that Sara Cooley has joined the team at SmartTRAK as Relationship Manager, Customer Success. Sara has 5+ years of experience in Account Management and Sales in the medical device industry with a concentration in Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, and ENT. Her prior roles were with Kairos Surgical, an Arthrex Distributor, and American Surgical Company.

Meet Sara Cooley:

What is your role with SmartTRAK? Relationship Manager, Customer Success.

What do you like about SmartTRAK? I love that Smarttrak is helping to create an innovative industry by giving companies the information they need to make smart, strategic decisions based on industry trends.

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2 min read

NASS 2022: Emerging Markets and Trends in Spine

By Courtney Sheedy on 11/3/22 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK identified several trends at NASS 2022 that have the potential to improve patient care and drive advancement in the spine market, including the shift of fusion procedures to the ASC setting, a potential tipping point for the adoption of endoscopic spine care, and emerging innovations within the interbody space.

At the North American Spine Society (NASS) 2022 Annual Meeting in Chicago, SmartTRAK witnessed a revival in energy that has been absent in recent years due to COVID-19, healthcare disruption and industry M&A integration. Exhibitors had the opportunity to teach attendees about new technology in a multitude of ways – a new live surgical theater was proudly projected throughout the exhibit hall and most companies were equally inviting to conversations about macro technology developments. Though SmartTRAK has seen so much innovation in spine over the recent several years, which of these advancements will truly lead to improved patient care? SmartTRAK identified several trends at NASS 2022 that have the potential to improve patient care and drive growth in the spine market over the coming two-to-five years. These include the shift of procedures from the hospital to outpatient and ambulatory surgery center (ASC) settings, increased adoption and adaptation within surgical approaches and the introduction of custom interbody implants, and many others.

Among the many topics covered in detail in this article are:

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2 min read

OrthoBio-Focused Themes Emerging from NASS 2022

By James Petricek on 10/28/22 1:12 PM

Observations and analysis from the 37th Annual North American Spine Society (NASS) Meeting held October 12-14 in Chicago, IL. 

SmartTRAK highlights the top news and themes at NASS 2022 affecting the markets for OrthoBio and Regenerative Medicine, including the Orthofix/SeaSpine  merger, the ongoing controversy surrounding BMP-2, new product launches, company growth strategies and the latest research and innovation in intradiscal therapies.

Among the many topics covered in detail in this article are:

  • A Spine Merger That Will Significantly Impact The Orthobiologics Landscape
  • BMP-2 Safety Profile Remains an Open Issue
  • Incremental Product Improvement Across OrthoBio Categories
  • Spine Strategic Portfolio Strategies
  • Intradiscal Treatments Take Center Stage

Undoubtedly, the proposed business combination of Orthofix and SeaSpine announced immediately prior to NASS was the most impactful news emanating from the meeting. On a proforma basis, the combined company is expected to generate approximately ...

To download and read the complete "OrthoBio-Focused Themes Emerging from NASS 2022" article by James Petricek,  SmartTRAK's GM, OrthoBio and Regenerative Medicine, just click the button below.Download the Article

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5 min read

SmartTRAK Announces New Chief Growth Officer Linda Bernier

By Thomas Wallick on 10/26/22 10:15 AM

SmartTRAK is pleased to announce that Linda Bernier has been named new Chief Growth Officer (CGO). Linda will oversee Sales, Customer Success and Marketing. She will be involved with projects ranging from customer retention and satisfaction, licensing new tools and data sources, new products and strategy, marketing and new messaging, among others. She comes with a depth of experience in the healthcare and SaaS world, having held CEO and Chief Marketing Officer positions during her career

"Linda has great leadership and interpersonal skills (positivity, woo and communication are among her top strengths), and she likes to put ideas into action and get things done (achiever and strategic also in her top 5). Above all, she brings the experience, knowledge and confidence we have needed to successfully make the pivot to becoming a SaaS company with our new SmartTRAK Enterprise offering." SmartTRAK CEO Sharon O'Reilly

Meet Linda Bernier, SmartTRAK's new Chief Growth Officer:

What is your role with SmartTRAK? As Chief Growth Officer, my main objectives are to execute our founder and CEO Sharon O’Reilly’s vision for SmartTRAK and to achieve the company’s full potential as the leading market insights solution for the MedTech industry. In my role, I’ll be working with the sales, marketing and customer success teams to execute key initiatives to profitably grow the company. These initiatives include increasing client engagement, continuing our stellar > 95% retention rate through voice of client, acquiring new clients, elevating the SmartTRAK brand and expanding SmartTRAK’s portfolio of products and services, including the potential entry into new markets.
 
What do you like about SmartTRAK? When I listen to customers, they consistently say SmartTRAK is their trusted source for

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5 min read

Could Reverse Hips Change the Total Hip Game?

By Lisa Mahan on 10/24/22 10:02 AM

Hip Innovation Technology is betting on its Reverse HRS Hip to change the practice of total hip replacement

Most recent innovations in hip replacement have focused on the use of new materials, new surgical approaches and new assistive technologies. However, one company, Hip Innovation Technology* (HIT), is betting on its investment to change the practice of total hip replacement with an innovative design resulting in the world’s first reverse hip system. The Company is getting even closer to realizing a payoff on this bet by receiving US FDA Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) approval in January 2022 to initiate a pivotal multi-center clinical trial to evaluate the HIT Reverse Hip Replacement System (Reverse HRS)*. Most likely, HIT will be ready to submit for FDA approval of the device following the primary completion of the IDE trial slated for July 2026.

Who is Hip Innovation Technology?

Located in Boca Raton, Florida, Hip Innovation Technology is a privately held company formed in 2011 with the vision of developing and marketing orthopedic device solutions. The Company got its start through a seed round of funding with an initial raise of $225K. George Diamantoni, chief executive officer, is also the founder and CEO of Joint Innovation Technology, HIT’s parent company. He has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry including positions at The Upjohn Company, Pharmacia Corporation, Pfize, and Schering Plough. Zafer Termanini, MD, FACS, the inventor of the Interlocking Reverse Hip, serves as the president and chief medical officer of HIT. Termanini, an orthopedic surgeon with over 30 years of experience, is also a Diplomate of the American College of Disability Analysts and the American College of Forensic Examiners, with specialties in Orthopedic and Joint Reconstruction, Sports Medicine and Biomechanical Analysis.

What is a Reverse Hip Replacement?

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10 min read

What's New in the Total Joints Market?

By Lisa Mahan on 10/21/22 11:11 AM

In the market for Total Joint Replacement, companies continue to innovate with assistive technologies and new implants and instruments to advance clinical outcomes and increase efficiency of care. From new hip products optimized for the direct anterior approach to cementless knee solutions, companies are focusing on technologies that provide optimal outcomes whether surgeries are performed in a hospital, hospital outpatient or ASC setting. The following is a sample of SmartTRAK's recent Total Joints news and developments from around the world, compiled, curated and posted in real time by the expert analysts at SmartTRAK.

We constantly monitor the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, new products, patents, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry. If you'd like to receive these expert insights daily, Contact Us to learn more. Our users think it's the perfect way to start their day.

New Products:
  • JNJ/DePuy Synthes*

    JNJ/DePuy Synthes did not discuss its new EMPHASYS hip implants during its Q322 earnings call. However, SmartTRAK would not be surprised to see the Company introduce the system at AAHKS 2022 with the EMPHASYS Cup* recently receiving 510(k) clearance to round out the platform.

  • Exactech announced the successful first surgeries and limited launch of the Novel Total Hip Arthroplasty System with the Spartan Stem* and Logical Cup* with full commercial US launch planned for H123. Exactech is a distributor of the implants supplied by Signature Orthopaedics*.

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1 min read

Trends & Advancements in Sports Medicine & Arthroscopy: SmartTRAK at OSET 2022

By Andy Knapik on 10/17/22 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK highlights new products and company strategies for penetrating the ASC market at OSET 2022

The Orthopedic Summit Meeting (OSET) found itself in a new location and time this year as meeting organizers moved a long-time December meeting in Vegas to fall in Boston at the Encore Hotel and Casino. The overall mood of the meeting was positive and seemingly well attended, however, it seems that the change of venue and time of year may have negatively affected overall attendance versus past years. 

All the regular players from a company perspective were in attendance, some showcasing new products and others looking to demonstrate procedural prowess as everyone looks to strengthen their foothold on the hot ambulatory surgery center (ASC) market.   

New Product Introductions: Biologics-Backed Fixation Takes Center Stage

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2 min read

Orthofix & SeaSpine Merge: Create a Leading Global Spine and Orthopedics Co.

By Courtney Sheedy on 10/14/22 9:49 AM

OFIX and SPNE announced a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger of equals. Both companies believe there are meaninful cross-selling revenue synergies, as well as at least $40MM in YoY cost savings to capture over the 3 years following the transaction. The companies have expressed revenue goals of ~$1.0B concluding year 3 post-merger.

Looking forward, the new organization will be a spine and orthopedics company with complementary portfolios in biologics, spinal hardware, bone growth therapies, orthopedic solutions and enabling surgical technologies. SmartTRAK notes that once merged, the new company will be strategically positioned in high-growth emerging technology, including cervical disc replacement with M6-C, enabling technology with 7D’s FLASH Navigation System and OrthoNext preop planning, and with focused development in spine and limb within pediatrics. Additionally, the new company will have a highly competitive offering in the spinal interbody space with its WaveForm 3D and NanoMetalene technologies. Together, the combined company’s biologics portfolio will also represent one of the broadest offerings available in spine and orthopedics.

Find out how to receive SmartTRAK Daily Updates in your morning email

SmartTRAK believes the complimentary product portfolios provide a comprehensive offering and

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3 min read

Astura Medical Reveals New Products Launching at NASS 2022: An Interview with CEO Joel Gambrell

By Courtney Sheedy on 10/12/22 10:02 AM

 In an interview with SmartTRAK, Joel Gambrell, Co-founder and CEO for Astura Medical, shares the series of new products launching at NASS and, specifically, reveals what makes Astura’s new Integrated Expandable ALIF System, El Capitan, truly differentiated.

Since the Company was founded in 2014, Astura Medical has achieved fast growth, established a reputation for elegance and quality in its product offering and taken a different methodology to both product development and business operations. In an interview with SmartTRAK, Joel Gambrell, Co-founder and CEO, provides insight on how Astura’s R&D process is unique, unveils why Astura’s approach to custom implants offers the most real-time precision and reveals the distinctions that make the new Integrated Expandable ALIF System, El Capitan, truly differentiated. In addition to El Capitan, Astura Medical will be launching several other new technologies at the North American Spine Society’s (NASS) annual 2022 meeting in Chicago. 

SmartTRAK's spine experts will be roaming the floor at NASS 2022, bringing our subscribers real-time news direct from the show. We'll also be on the show floor at booth #2341, ready to answer your questions, share insights on the latest news and innovations in the Spine Market and discuss how SmartTRAK can help you Be the Expert in your market.  If you would like to book a meeting with us at NASS, just click here.

Continue reading to find out how to download a complete transcript of SmartTRAK's interview with CEO Joel Gambrell.

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9 min read

What's New In the Spine Market: SmartTRAK at NASS 2022

By Courtney Sheedy on 10/7/22 2:46 PM

With the North American Spine Society (NASS) 2022 annual meeting next week in Chicago, anticipation builds to see if some of the top players' product launches are unveiled at the event, including potential new offerings from Medtronic and NuVasive. Meanwhile, SmartTRAK expects to see bright spots from some of the pure-play companies like Centinel, Alphatec and Astura Medical. The event will surely be a pick-me-up from sluggish market performance plagued by budget constraints and supply chain issues. 

Our spine experts will be roaming the floor, bringing our subscribers real-time news direct from the show. We'll also be on the show floor at booth #2341, ready to answer your questions, share insights on the latest in the spine market and discuss how SmartTRAK can help you Be the Expert in your market. To make sure you’re up to speed before the meeting, here is a sample of recent spine news collected and curated by the expert analysts at SmartTRAK. If you would like to book a meeting with us at NASS, please click the button below. Schedule a Meeting

New Products:

  • prodisc C* - Centinel Spine*

    Centinel Spine announced expansion of the prodisc cTDR portfolio. Currently, Centinel has 510(k) clearance for 1-level indications for prodisc C Vivo, prodisc C SK and prodisc C Nova giving them the broadest global offering in cTDR.

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9 min read

What's New in the Computer Assisted Spine Market: SmartTRAK at NASS 2022

By Elise Wolf on 10/7/22 2:35 PM

Spine enabling tech companies continue to report positive momentum moving into H222 despite limited hospital budgets, chip shortages and continued staffing issues. The North American Spine Society (NASS) 2022 annual meeting next week is sure to provide a preview of what is coming next for both spine robotics from players like Medtronic and Globus, as well as surgical guidance solution providers such as NuVasive and SeaSpine. We are also looking forward to new enabling tech solutions to be launched at the meeting.

Our spine experts will be roaming the floor, bringing our subscribers real-time news direct from the show. We'll also be on the show floor at booth #2341, ready to answer your questions, share insights on the latest in the CAS Spine Market and discuss how SmartTRAK can help you Be the Expert in your market.

To make sure you’re up to speed before the meeting, here is a sample of recent CAS Spine news collected and curated by the expert analysts at SmartTRAK. If you would like to book a meeting with us at NASS, please click the button below. Schedule a MeetingNew Products:

  • Stryker*

    SYK announced the launch of its Q Guidance System for spine applications, which includes surgical planning and intra-op guidance for spine procedures in patients age 13 and older.

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9 min read

What's New in Wound Care in China

By Lennart Stadler on 10/7/22 11:13 AM

As one of the fastest growing markets globally, China is a key market for companies competing in the Advanced Dressings Market. China is the second largest Advanced Dressings Market in the world and is projected to grow in the high single digits over the next five years according to SmartTRAK estimates. Not surprisingly, most of the global leaders in the Advanced Dressings Market have a presence in China, either via distributors or a direct sales force or through manufacturing sites, including Coloplast, WEGO, Mölnlycke and Smith+Nephew, among others.

To find out more about these companies and what’s new in the China Advanced Dressings Market, SmartTRAK highlights market updates covering the top news on new products, clinical studies, deals/financing, market trends, clinical/regulatory and company revenues. Following are some recent updates that were gathered and curated by our expert analysts and sent out to subscribers in SmartTRAK's Daily Updates. To discover how to learn more about the China Advanced Dressings Market, click here.

New Products:

  • China NMPA Approvals in August

    In August 2022, NMPA approved 210 medical devices. Among them, 161 were domestic Class III devices, 25 imported Class III and 22 imported Class II devices. One NPWT kit from Nantong Changyu Medical Technology Co., Ltd. was the only wound care product.

  • ForYou Medical announced that they received a China NMPA approval for LUOFUCON Silicone Foam to be sold in China. Class III, National Machinery Note 20223140748. The dressing is manufactured by ForYou Medical, available in several anatomical shapes.

Topics: Wound Care
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3 min read

The Future of Endoscopic Spine Surgery: An Interview with Choll Kim, MD, PhD

By Courtney Sheedy on 10/6/22 9:30 AM

Dr. Kim outlines his extensive experience in adopting endoscopic spine surgery and reflects on barriers to widespread adoption, including the learning curve and reimbursement challenges

Endoscopic and arthroscopic technology has been around for a number of years, aiding surgeons’ visualization to treat patients in much less invasive ways than were previously possible. Prior to the introduction and adoption of these types of technology, surgeons were faced with invasive, more traumatic procedures and sometimes limitations on visualization based on anatomy. Less invasive approaches have allowed patients to benefit from less risk, shorter hospital stays and, in many cases, quicker healing.

Endoscopic approaches to spine surgery have been taking place for 10+ years, but the market hasn’t experienced transformative growth. All the patient benefits align with relative adoption trends, so why haven’t we seen endoscopic spine surgery grow at a similar rate? What does the future look like in this segment? SmartTRAKsat down with minimally invasive spine surgery pioneer Choll Kim, MD, PhD to explore his thoughts on focusing his minimally invasive surgical practice around specific offering of endoscopic spinal techniques, what the pros and cons have been within the adoption curve of the technology and where he thinks the market is headed.

SmartTRAK's spine experts will be roaming the floor at NASS 2022, bringing our subscribers real-time news direct from the show. We'll also be on the show floor at booth #2341, ready to answer your questions, share insights on the latest news and innovations in the Spine Market and discuss how SmartTRAK can help you Be the Expert in your market.  If you would like to book a meeting with us at NASS, please click here.

Continue reading to find out how to download a complete transcript of SmartTRAK's interview with Dr. Kim.

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4 min read

New Approaches in Foundational Wound Care: Wild on Wounds 2022

By Gary Delhougne on 10/4/22 9:42 AM

Wild on Wounds (WOW) focused clinicians back to the essential skills and products of wound care

Nurses, doctors and industry descended on a beachfront resort in Hollywood, FL, from September 7 through 10, for educational sessions and hands-on learning in foundational wound care at Wild on Wounds 2022 (WoW). WoW, as its fun name suggests, is designed for those clinicians focused on, and desiring foundational knowledge in skin and wound care. In reflecting on this focus,SmartTRAKnoted conference buzz and product innovation at this year’s WoW centered on the use of advanced wound dressings and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) over other conferences that include more biologics.

SmartTRAK will also be attending the upcoming SAWC Fall conference, covering everything new, exciting and important from the event. Our experts are ready to answer your questions, share insights on the latest in the wound market and discuss how we can help you Be the Expert in your market! If you'd like to meet with SmartTRAK at SAWC, please reach out.

Kicking off WoW, clinician presenters highlighted many “buzz” worthy products and what differentiates them across numerousSmartTRAK-covered product categories. For instance:

Topics: Wound Care
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2 min read

Swings in Robotic Performance: Q222 CAS Spine Market Recap

By Elise Wolf on 9/28/22 9:30 AM

A market fraught with challenging hospital budgets, chip shortages and continued staffing issues results in apparent swings in robotic performance. On the other hand, enabling tech platforms companies continue to report positive momentum moving into H222.

The Q222 WW CAS Spine Market was down YoY according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. Medtronic* (MDT) remained the market leader, followed by Globus* (GMED) and other enabling tech competitors including Stryker* (SYK) and Brainlab*. For detailed Q222 revenues and shares by company in the US, EU and ROW, see SmartTRAK CAS Spine Financial Dashboard*.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q222 Computer Assisted Surgery Spine Market Recap* are:

  • Complete Q222 CAS Spine Market Overview and Highlights
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Analysis and Insights
  • All Company News including Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
  • Variable Robotics Performance in a Difficult Climate
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4 min read

EPUAP 2022– Diagnostics to Enhance Prevention

By Kris Flinn on 9/27/22 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK highlights novel diagnostic devices for pressure ulcer (PU) prevention and interviews PU Sensor’s CEO Johannes Walfidsson at EPUAP 2022

According to SmartTRAK incidence and prevalence data*, there were over 10 million pressure ulcers in Europe in 2021, with four million being stage III to IV. This means that pressure ulcers account for around two-thirds of the total number of chronic wounds on the continent and almost half of the hard-to-heal wounds. Given these eye-opening statistics, it would be understandable to expect that the first European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) Meeting in three years would indicate growing engagement in this area, both clinically and commercially. Unfortunately, on the evidence of the event in Prague, this wasn’t the case, with delegate numbers declining from previous years and a sparse exhibition hall missing many of the prominent wound care players. This begs the question; why isn’t there a greater focus on pressure ulcers and prevention? (Click to listen to SmartTRAK's interview with PU Sensor's CEO Johannes Walfidsson, "Advancing Risk Assessment for Pressure Ulcers." You can also download a complete transcript of the interview here)

Topics: Wound Care
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5 min read

SmartTRAK Announces New VP of Sales, Joe Mish

By Thomas Wallick on 9/26/22 10:13 AM

SmartTRAK is pleased to announce that Joe Mish has been named new VP of Sales and will lead our commercial team. Before joining SmartTRAK two years ago, originally as Director of Sales, Joe had 10+ years experience in medical device sales, with a concentration on Joint Replacement and Spine & Robotic Technologies. Joe sold and implemented analytic software to manage value-based care and bundled payment, working with Stryker, LDR/ZimmerBiomet and Stryker Performance Solutions.

"I couldn't be more pleased to have a true professional with data analytics/IT/SaaS plus medical device background like Joe in this position. I think you will agree that he is the right person to bring SmartTRAK to the next level." - SmartTRAK CEO Sharon O'Reilly

Meet Joe Mish, SmartTRAK's new VP of Sales: 

What do you like about SmartTRAK? I truly love the value we bring to our customers. With the world being so volatile and medical device markets still being disrupted in so many ways, we offer clients a predictable way to stay ahead of their competition. This is extremely rare. There is no better feeling than standing behind a company and product that you really believe in…we are focused and committed to building long term relationships and strategic partnerships with our customers, and it shows.

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2 min read

Continued Growth: Q222 Advanced Wound Care Market Recap

By Gary Delhougne on 9/22/22 9:30 AM

WW Advanced Wound Care continues to grow in the mid-single-digits as company revenues reflect normalcy in wound care with a likely increase in wound severity.

For Q222, SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard reports the WW Advanced Wound Care (AWC) market grew +6.4%. WW Advanced Dressings and WW Wound Biologics were also up, while NPWT-heavy External Devices revenue increased marginally.

Among the many topics covered in detail in our comprehensive Q222 Advanced Wound Care Market Recap* are:

  • Complete Q222 AWC Overview and Highlights
  • SmartTRAK's Expert Analysis and Insights
  • All Company News including Revenues, Data, Charts and Shares
  • Growth Analysis – Currency Having a Significant Impact in Q2
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2 min read

Pain Intervention: A Market of Moving Targets

By Shelly Caruso on 9/20/22 9:30 AM

SmartTRAK highlights key movements in the quickly changing landscape of interventional pain management and identifies practice trends surrounding SCS, PNS, minimally invasive spine and SI Joint Fusion from the recent ASPN and INS meetings.

Strong demand for alternatives to narcotic pain management combined with an aging population and growing incidence of chronic pain continue to drive demand for interventional pain techniques. The approach to the treatment of chronic intractable pain is evolving, with a shift toward data-focused treatment optimization, growing use of digital monitoring and holistic evaluation of patient outcomes. Furthermore, increasing overlap among various devices and therapies as well as unclear boundaries between interventional pain, orthopedic and spine practices is spurring physicians to adopt collaborative approaches to patient care.

Among the many timely topics covered in this comprehensive Market Outlook article "Pain Intervention: A Market of Moving Targets", which can be downloaded in its entirety here, are:

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2 min read

New Products Will Drive Growth: Q222 Trauma Market Recap

By Natasha Weeks on 9/19/22 9:24 AM