Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1439613
16 Executive Briefing engineers and data scientists work to apply patient-specific medicine in spine care, and how UNiD™ adaptive spine intelligence has the potential to improve the standard of care. Q: How do predictive analytics work? Thomas Mosnier (TM): Through this new data-heavy service workflow, we developed our own proprietary software platform to capture the iterative feedback loop of clinical data to improve future surgical plans and build our predictive models. Knowledge of scientific publications can help to define surgical strategy, such as the curvature of the spinal rods, but huge amounts of data must be considered to reach surgical objectives. Predictive analytics can amalgamate and channel this data set with great efficiency through specially constructed machine learning algorithms to craft a data-driven strategy for each surgery. Q: Why haven't information technology solutions been done before within the spinal industry? TM: Traditionally, a device manufacturer's workflow centers on delivering solutions exclusively for the operating room. We saw a need for innovation beyond this one area of the surgical continuum. We also recognized our unique position to do so, which is what led us to pioneer the integration of intelligent information technology with our next-generation manufacturing capabilities. Q: What do you see are the benefits of introducing a more holistic service? TM: Our primary ambition has been to improve clinical outcomes and efficiencies in spine surgery by generating surgical plans and patient-specific implants. As an example, a recent study examining rod fracture rates found when patients were treated with UNiD™ rods, fracture rates dropped to 2.2 percent, compared to the industry average of 9 percent.3,4 Surgeons also have access to global data and advanced analytics to determine more specifically what works and what should be changed. Q: Were there any challenges with building a predictive model for spinal surgery? TM: Building a predictive model is all about the data. It is not as simple as just gathering information and putting it into a database; biomedical engineers must be accurate regarding the measurements and descriptions of the patient X-rays, imaging, clinical notes, etc. With new data science experts and an experienced biomedical engineering team in place, building the predictive models for spinal surgery was an exciting task. Q: What do surgeons have to look forward to as you continue to innovate patient-specific spine care? TM: As surgeons continue to express positive feedback and future desires of this technology, we have plenty of ideas where we are going next with the technology. Like reaching adequate sagittal alignment; prevention of proximal junctional kyphosis failure is also an important topic for spine surgeons. Based on UNiD™ ASI user feedback, we believe this is a critical area of spinal surgery where we can improve outcomes and efficiencies with our machine learning technology. Q: How can one learn more about what predictive analytics can bring to their practice? TM: Our team of trained UNiD™ lab biomedical engineers are available for contact 24/7 through the UNiD™ hub software interface system and able to provide personalized demonstrations with case samples and discussions around surgical strategy. We encourage everyone interested in learning more to schedule a demonstration by visiting www. medtronic.com/unid. Key Takeaways 1. Aligning the patient-specific rod, industrially pre-bent with precision to preserve strength, with the preoperative surgical plan has shown a reduced incidence of rod fracture in ASD procedures. 3,4 2. Predictive analytics amalgamates and channels data with great efficiency through specially constructed and proprietary machine learning algorithms to craft a strategy for each surgery that is adapted to the patient and surgeon's tendencies. 3. Digital planning simulations, which utilize predictive modeling for compensatory mechanisms, are incorporated into the UNiD™ lab biomedical engineer service. This content is sponsored by Medtronic and contains the opinions of, and personal surgical techniques practiced by Dr Kleck. The opinions and techniques presented herein are for information purposes only and the decision of which techniques to use in a particular surgical application should be made by the surgeon based on the individual facts and circumstances of the patient and previous surgical experience. Dr. Kleck is a paid consult for Medtronic. This interview, sponsored by Medtronic, is intended to educate, and train customers regarding the approved or cleared uses of Medtronic products. As such, unapproved products or indications are not discussed herein. You may contact Medtronic's Office of Medical Affairs at rs.cst-oma@medtronic. com or 800.876.3133 ext. 6044 for any specific clinical questions you may have. n References 1. Rothenfluh DA, Mueller DA, et al. Pelvic incidence lumbar lordosis mismatch predisposes to adjacent segment disease after lumbar spinal fusion. Eur Spine J (2015) 24:1251-1258. 2. Branche, Katherine, et al. "Radius of Curvature in Patient- Specific Short Rod Constructs Versus Standard Pre-Bent Rods." International Journal of Spine Surgery. 2020. 3. V. Fiere, S. Fuentes, E. Burger, T. Raabe, P. Passias, et al. Patient- Specific Rods show a reduction in rod breakage incidence. Medicrea Whitepaper. October 2017. 4. Smith JS, Shaffrey CI, Klineberg E, et al. Prospective multicenter assessment of risk factors for rod fracture following surgery for adult spinal deformity. J Neurosurg Spine 21:994–1003, 2014. ©2021 Medtronic. Medtronic, Medtronic logo, and Engineering the extraordinary are trademarks of Medtronic. All other brands are trademarks of a Medtronic company. UC202210981EN