Companies like startup TrackX Technology are taking navigation technology to the next level to provide real-time instrument tracking while minimizing radiation exposure during minimally invasive spine procedures.

Enabling technologies, including robotics and navigation systems in spine surgery, are here to stay and were on display at the Spine Summit 2020 meeting held in Las Vegas, Nevada from March 5-8. While navigation has been around for decades, companies like startup TrackX Technology are taking the technology to the next level to provide real-time instrument tracking while minimizing radiation exposure during minimally invasive spine procedures.

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant effect on physician practices in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, including the number of elective procedures being postponed, when normal operations might resume, the adoption of telemedicine, delivery of physician education and interactions with industry. To find out more, SmartTRAK Analyst Freddy Buntoum interviewed Steven Sampson, DO, founder of The Orthobiologic Institute (TOBI) and an internationally-recognized expert in the field of non-surgical orthopedics and the science of sports medicine. To hear Dr. Sampson’s take on how things might evolve throughout the rest of 2020, and how his practice and organization are supporting patients and other stakeholders, click on the following video to listen to the interview recorded via Uberconference (25:20 minutes). A transcript of the interview can be downloaded below.

While some countries are slowly emerging from their lockdowns, the MedTech industry continues to face unprecedented challenges as it adapts to the changing landscape. SmartTRAK's analysts are constantly monitoring the effect COVID-19 is having on the Life Sciences industry, sifting through the noise to present the most relevant news to its subscribers. Our analysts continue to publish real-time updates throughout the day, detailing what you need to know about the impact the international healthcare crisis is having on the industry at large.

Following is a selection of the COVID-19 updates from the past week as compiled by the analysts at SmartTRAK:

The world-wide medical community continues to search for ways to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus and deal with its impact. Progress is being made on vaccines and treatments as new surgery guidelines are developed. The following is a small sampling of the COVID-19 updates compiled, reviewed and posted in real-time by our SmartTRAK analysts, who are constantly monitoring the situation and sifting through the noise to present the most relevant news to our subscribers:

AAHKS Survey Shows COVID-19's Effect on MedDevice Industry
Results from a survey of AAHKS Industry Partners indicates an increasing shift to web-based prof ed through 2021, and for H220, a significant emphasis on outpt care, COVID-19 safety measures, and the need for increased availability of instruments and implants. J of Arthroplasty

For the fourth quarter of 2019, WW Soft Tissue Fixation Market revenue was up +3.7% YoY. Aggregate growth for the quarter especially benefited from healthy and continued revenue gains in the Hip Labral repair segment, which was up +8.9% YoY. And, to a smaller extent, the Meniscal repair and the Shoulder repair segments also contributing to the overall WW market growth in Q419 with YoY increases of 4.4% and 4.1%, respectively, based on SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. Similar to other orthopedic markets, such as the Joint replacement market, Soft Tissue Fixation is typically seasonal with lower sales during Q3 and recovery in Q4 driven by a year-end increase in the number of elective procedures and stronger product push as competitors race to finish the year at or above their respective budget projections.

Mesoblast announced 83% survival in ventilator-dependent COVID-19 pts w/ moderate/severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) treated w/ two IV infusions of remestemcel-L (allogenic MSCs) w/in the first five days.

Impact of COVID-19 on CAS in the US
SmartTRAK took a preliminary look at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on procedure volumes & capital equipment placement of orthopedic and spine enabling technologies, with projected recovery into 2021. Impact of COVID-19 on US Orthopedic and Spine Computer-Assisted Surgery

Impact of COVID-19 on Advanced Wound Care
SmartTRAK assessed the impact of COVID-19 on the NPWT Market. Single-use volumes are expected to drop during the first three quarters of 2020 due primarily to the drop in elective surgical procedures but will rebound in Q420. Impact of COVID-19 on US Advanced Wound Care

FY19 showed solid gains in all segments, up +4.1% YoY, as antimicrobial devices take the lead

The prevention of Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) continues to drive measures and practices to reduce Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) and is creating demand for products that can address these issues. Numerous programs and educational tools are being developed to provide measures and strategies that assist healthcare providers in the prevention and reduction of infection in acute care and other settings.

According to BioMedGPS' SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard, the Q419 US VA Adjunct Products market saw a solid increase of +3.7% for the four segments: Dressings, Antimicrobial Devices, Antimicrobial IV Skin Preps and Mechanical Securement Devices.

Among the many topics including news, financial data, charts and company revenues, covered in the comprehensive Q419/FY19 Infection Prevention: Vascular Access Adjunct Products Market Recap*, are:

Although the Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) Market was down YoY in Q419 and FY19, new data and devices are on deck for 2020

As the Covid-19 epidemic continues, the medical community world-wide struggles to cope with its impact. SmartTRAK's analysts are constantly monitoring the effect COVID-19 is having on the Life Sciences industry, sifting through the noise to present the most relevant news to its subscribers. Our analysts continue to publish real-time updates throughout the day, detailing what you need to know about the impact the international healthcare crisis is having on the industry at large.

Following is a selection of the COVID-19 updates from the past week as compiled by the analysts at SmartTRAK:

New CMS Guidelines for Providing Non-COVID-19 Care
CMS issued guidance on providing a gradual process for restarting non-COVID-19 care in areas w/ low incidence of the disease including coordination w/ local and state public health officials and readiness assessment in terms of staff, supply and testing capabilities. CMS.gov

AHA & Others Develop Joint Guidelines for Resuming Elective Procedures
AHA, ACS, ASA and AORN have developed joint guidelines to help providers determine their readiness to resume elective procedures including a sustained reduction in COVID-19 cases in their geographic area for at least 14 days and having the appropriate resources. AHA.org

Switzerland Easing Restrictions While Others Extend Theirs
Switzerland announced a 3-step plan for easing restrictions due to COVID-19 including allowing hospitals to perform elective procedures. The UK, however, extended its lockdown for 3 more weeks similar to extensions in Italy, Spain, and France. CIDRAP

A year of solid growth and acquisitions for the WW AWC market, as 3M moves into the leading position.

For FY19, according to BioMedGPS’ SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard, WW Advanced Wound Care (AWC) revenue for Advanced Dressings, External Devices and Biologics was up +4.7% YoY.

3M captured the number one position in the AWC space after completing the acquisition of Acelity and its KCI subsidiaries on October 11, 2019. According to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard, in FY19, combined 3M and Acelity seized 22.7% of the market and generated +6.2% YoY growth. Revenue for Q419 was up +6.9% YoY, driven by ongoing strong performance in single-use negative pressure wound therapy and solid growth in Advanced Wound Dressings. 

Among the many topics, including news, financial data, charts and company revenues, covered in the comprehensive Q419/FY19 Advanced Wound Care Market Recap*,  are: