Becker's Spine Review

15 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SPINE DEVICE & INNOVATION ChoiceSpine: Key 2016 Innovations By Megan Wood K noxville, Tenn.- based ChoiceSpine plans to launch various innovations in the new year, on the heels of its recently released cervical device in December 2015. An alternative to traditional anterior cervical and discectomy and fusion, TOM- CAT Cervical Spinal System is a stand- alone device. It is designed to stabilize the cervical vertebral column as an adjunct to fusion of vertebral bodies. e device's PEEK-OPTIMA HA Enhanced material sets it apart from other systems by allowing early bone apposition. e material is designed to create better bone contact for up to 12 weeks. ChoiceSpine offers two TOMCAT options, explains Steve Ainsworth, PhD, vice president of research and development of ChoiceSpine. Similar to other systems, the zero-profile design involves the screw going through the cage into the vertebral bodies. e hybrid model separates the TOM- CAT's capabilities from other cervical systems. Its design involves one screw, with a flange that goes outside the vertebral body. "[e hybrid] eliminates difficult screw trajectories due to the anatomy," says Dr. Ainsworth. For example, the chin proves problematic for C2 and C3, but the hybrid model allows surgeons to apply the screw in line with the cage. e TOMCAT is equipped with a self-locking retention clip for the screw. e company plans to launch a few other innovations in 2016, including the un- derbolt Minimally Invasive Screw System and the re-launch of it VEO Lateral Access System. ChoiceSpine will focus its research and development on the anterior approach for the lumbar spine. With healthcare trends pushing low cost and high quality, ChoiceSpine will strive to continue developing high-per- forming devices. "We are looking at the effectiveness and decreasing the costs of the entire procedure through the minimally invasive approach," says Dr. Ainsworth. Minimally invasive procedures lower costs because of less required anesthesia and blood transfusions as well as result in shorter hospital stays. n "We are looking at the effectiveness and decreasing the cost of the entire procedure through the minimally invasive approach." — Steven Ainsworth, PhD of ChoiceSpine Steve Ainsworth

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