Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1199901
23 DEVICES & IMPLANTS Former Stryker, DePuy Synthes executive becomes Carlsmed COO By Alan Condon Carslmed appointed Sharon Schulzki as COO in September. Three things to know: 1. Ms. Schulzki previously held leader- ship positions at Stryker, DePuy Synthes and N Spine. 2. As senior vice president of business and evidence development at Tissue Regeneration Systems, she led the company's exit to DePuy Synthes and the licensing of its mineral coating technology to Medtronic Spine. 3. Carlsmed is leveraging artificial intel- ligence and predictive analytics to use prior outcomes data for personalizing the treatment of complex adult spinal deformities. n Moody's: US medical device outlook positive — 7 expectations & headwinds By Laura Dyrda In the Moody's Investor Service Healthcare – Global 2020 Outlook report, the agency outlined seven key headwinds and expectations for the medical devices market next year. 1. e EBITDA for U.S. medical devices and products is expected to grow 5 percent to 6 percent. New products will likely help with growth. 2. Emerging market demand is expected to grow in the low double-digits. However, GDP growth deceleration is expected to slow overall growth. 3. Unless Congress acts, the medical device excise tax may be reinstated next year. 4. Orthopedic robotic system installation is expected to grow next year, with Stryker leading the space. 5. Moody's expects mergers and acquisitions next year to "remain brisk," citing Stryker's recent $5.4 billion acquisition as a model of what to expect going forward. 6. e acceleration in trade tensions with other countries are a headwind for the U.S. medical device industry, which could result in tariffs for imported components or slower GDP growth. 7. Moody's outlook on the U.S. medical products and devices industry is positive. n Aurora Spine's weak quarter headlined by 5%+ revenue decrease: 5 things to know By Eric Oliver Although Aurora Spine posted $2.5 million in third-quarter 2019 revenues, the company still realized a $417,399 loss. Five things to know: 1. The company posted its second-worst quarter this year and noted a 5.4 percent decrease in year-over-year revenues. 2. Gross profit decreased to $1.01 million for the quarter, a 25.4 percent year- over-year decline. 3. The company's EBITDAC was -$116,189 for the quarter, down from $396,809 in the same period last year, a 129.3 percent decrease. EBITDAC is a figure that is not adjusted for generally acceptable accounting principles. 4. Aurora took responsibility for its struggles, which were fueled by an in- crease in less-profitable third-party product sales. The company began ad- dressing the losses in the second quarter of 2019 and is working with its third-party vendors to change product branding, adjust prices and partner with companies with complementary products. "Q3 2019 was a watershed quarter for the company and served to sharpen our strategic direction as we prepare for 2020 and the longer term," said Au- rora CEO and President Trent Northcutt. 5. Aurora intends to launch its ZIPFlex product by the end of 2020 and two new SI Joint Fusion products by the first quarter of 2020. n