Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1058309
22 June 2019 Speaker Series Drs. Harel Deutsch, Nick Shamie and Michael Verdon: The spine technology trends on the horizon By Laura Dyrda H arel Deutsch, MD, is co-director of the Rush Spine Center at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. His practice focuses on spinal procedures, with a particular research interest in motion preservation. Michael Verdon, DO is a physician within Premier Health's Clinical Neuroscience Institute in Engle- wood, Ohio. Drs. Deutsch and Verdon discuss the biggest technol- ogy trends in spine today. Question: Which orthopedic device trends and technologies do you see making the biggest impact long term? What do you think is just a fad? Dr. Harel Deutsch: Some of the current trends in the market involve materials. e surface of the implants and the affin- ity of the implant to bone based on microscopic surface features is a new trend. 3D printed devices are another technology that is evolving. Some devices can now be made for significantly less cost, and there- fore, there are more innovative product design possibilities. Finally, value-added services, such as navigation and robotics, are used as a hook to get surgeons to use specific devices. e orthopedic devices are built in to integrate with a system such as a robotic system. Some areas in orthopedic devices that I see as fads, or at least as possibly declining in popularity, are lateral interbody fusions and sacroiliac bone fusions. Dr. Michael Verdon: e use of data analytics and machine learning to increase diagnostic accuracy and define the patient-reported input (symptoms) to improve patient-reported outcomes. e whole concept of precision medicine requires maximum ef- ficiency and effectiveness in defining pain generators at the lowest possible cost to the payer and as fast as possible for the patient. Dr. Nick Shamie: I believe consolidation of compa- nies and high cost of trials and research has stinted new research and innovation. ere still remains op- portunities for smaller and more agile companies to invent and push the technologies forward. As navigation technology is evolving, we can deliver more precise care to our patients. Companies who have adopted the navigation technologies will be more impactful in the near future. Q: How do you ensure you're staying on the cutting edge of your surgical practice while also being mindful of achieving value-based outcomes for your patients? Question: What are the best opportunities for practice growth in your market? Where are you investing your resources? Dr. Nitin Khanna: Growth is a combination of word of mouth and marketing. As an independent practitioner, it is important to "invest in your business." Marketing is a key driver, and an efficient and effective approach are keys to success. e best opportunities in our market and every market are to focus on the patient in the room. Convenience is king, and making sure that each and every patient is seen and treated in a timely manner is just the beginning. Delivering great care and engaging the patient with relevant infor- mation regarding their conditions will always be the future. Q: What are the smartest technology developments on the horizon? NK: e shi to advanced materials and expandables is clear. e challenge is always cost. It remains clinically unclear that there is any significant clinical advantage of the newer materials over gar- den variety [polyetheretherketone]. It is encouraging [the] industry is still willing to make the investment in these materials, as we have made a lot of advancement in spine surgery from the first-genera- tion fixation of wires and hooks to current pedicle screw designs. Navigation is here to stay. e smartest technology will be in navigation that facilitates, not impedes, workflow and also artificial intelligence with predictive analytics for spine surgical outcomes. I still firmly believe the EMR is a huge obstacle to progress for spine surgeons and [certain EMR systems] were never built for the patient or doctor. eir monopolistic position makes challengers weary but, as with all technology, their day will hopefully come soon. e "new EMR" hopefully will take a page from Instagram and incorporate a visual and concise data presentation to revolu- tionize the user interface. Also, I think patients should have the ability to see and participate in their health record. Q: How will ASCs shape the future of orthopedic and spine surgeon practices? NK: We are seeing many advanced healthcare systems embrace ASCs as a lower cost, higher quality alternative site of service for many degenerative spinal conditions. However, with consolidation and monopolistic health systems in certain markets, getting an ASC off the ground can be a challenge. It behooves the insurance companies and implant companies to be on the forefront of growing this alternative site of service, as all the metrics and patient satisfaction scores are favorable. It also allows physicians to once again be part of the process and control clinical care. I firmly believe this shi away from physician autonomy is directly related to low surgeon career satisfaction and high burnout rates. n