Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1335763
31 DEVICES & IMPLANTS HCA launches AR spine surgery program at 2nd, 3rd Florida hospitals By Alan Condon M ercy Hospital in Miami and Kendall Regional Medical Center in Tamiami, Fla., part of HCA East Florida, are now offering augmented reality spine surgery. e AR spine program was introduced at sister HCA Healthcare facility, Aventura (Fla.) Hospital and Medical Center, in early November. AR-guided surgery enables surgeons to maintain focus directly on the patient, rather than a monitor displaying the patient's anatomy. "It allows us to perform minimally invasive spine procedures with more precision and efficiency, thus significantly lowering the risks associated with tra- ditional spinal surgery and improving patient out- comes," Amar Rajadhyaksha, MD, a spine surgeon at KRMC, said in a Dec. 2 news release. e system features a transparent near-eye-display headset and all elements of a traditional navigation system. In real-time, the device determines the position of surgical tools and superimposes them on the pa- tient's CT data, which is projected onto the surgeon's retina using the headset, allowing them to simulta- neously look at the patient and the navigation data. "Augmented reality is revolutionizing the operat- ing room and we are excited to embrace this next chapter of surgical innovation," said Mercy Hos- pital CEO David Donaldson. "e marketwide launch of this program enables all three HCA Miami-Dade hospitals to provide the most for- ward-thinking technology and quality of care to spinal patients all across South Florida." n Medtronic acquires spine device company in 7th takeover of 2020 By Alan Condon Medtronic on Nov. 16 completed the acquisition of Medicrea, a France- based spine device company. Four things to know: 1. Medicrea specializes in artificial intelligence, predictive modeling and patient-specific implants. 2. The transaction bolsters Medtronic's expansion into AI, machine learning and predictive analytics. 3. The company has more than 30 implants that have received CE Mark or FDA approval. The products are designed for spinal deformity and degenerative disc disease. 4. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. n Zimmer Biomet seals $250M acquisition of medical device company By Alan Condon Z immer Biomet has completed the acquisition of A&E Medical Corp., a cardiothoracic surgery company that manufactures sternal closure devices. The transaction includes $150 million in cash at closing and $100 mil- lion in cash payable in 2021. "This deal aligns with our active portfolio management strategy and the ongoing transformation of our business that will position Zimmer Biom- et for long-term growth," Bryan Hanson, the company's president and CEO, said in a Dec. 1 news release. A&E Medical's portfolio of sternal closure devices, including sutures, ca- bles and fixation systems, are now part of the Zimmer Biomet umbrella. Revenue from the portfolio is expected to be recognized in Zimmer Biomet's dental, spine and craniomaxillofacial and thoracic business unit. The transaction is not expected to have a significant effect on 2020 net earnings. n