Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1252329
69 ORTHOPEDICS Precision Spine launches posterior fixation device to lower muscle disruption By Alan Condon Precision Spine on April 20 launched Reform MC, a posterior lumbar fusion system. Three things to know: 1. Reform MC is designed to reduce muscle retraction laterally past the facet joint. 2. The device requires a smaller incision while maintaining direct visualization and access to the disc space. 3. Reform MC aims to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in skeletally mature patients as an adjunct to spinal fusion. n $838M neuroscience facility at Connecticut hospital gains unanimous approval By Alan Condon Y ale New Haven (Conn.) Hospital's plans to build a neuroscience medical research and treatment facility received unanimous ap- proval from the City Plan Commission on April 15, the New Haven Independent reports. Three things to know: 1. Spanning 505,000-square-feet, the facility will feature a seven-story building above the McGivney Surgery Center, which specializes in joint replace- ment procedures, and another eight-story building nearby. 2. The neuroscience center will research condi- tions like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and strokes. 3. Construction was slated for spring 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the hospital to halt construction plans. n Astura Medical gains FDA clearance for lateral lumbar interbody fusion device By Alan Condon T he FDA on April 14 provided Astura Medical 510(k) clearance for its Sirion lateral lumbar interbody fusion system. Three insights: 1. Sirion offers a two or three blade configuration, with each blade featuring distraction and toeing capabilities. 2. An optional anterior blade allows surgeons to customize the access and rigidity of the device to fit patients' specific anatomies. 3. Sirion features spacers in HA PEEK or Acid- etched Ti in a variety of sizes. n Wright Medical inches toward sale, makes pay cuts due to pandemic: 5 updates By Angie Stewart W right Medical moved closer to finalizing a transac- tion with Stryker and announced COVID-19-related pay reductions, according to the Daily Memphian and Reuters. Five updates on the device company: 1. Wright Medical shareholders gave conditional approval April 24 to sell assets to a Stryker subsidiary for $5.4 billion, which includes equity and debt, according to the Daily Mem- phian. They voted to set the compensation that dissenting shareholders may claim at $30.75 per share. 2. Shareholders also voted to conditionally discharge Wright Medical's directors and appoint Stryker executives to form an interim board after the deal closes. 3. Stryker extended its tender offer to buy Wright Medical shares to June 30. The offer was scheduled to expire April 30, and this is the second time it has been extended. 4. Wright Medical President and CEO Robert Palmisano will temporarily take a 50 percent reduction in base salary due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Reuters. 5. The company approved a 25 percent temporary pay cut for other executives, as well as temporary 50 percent reductions in board cash retainer payments. n