Misonix, Inc. (NASDAQ: MSON), an international surgical device company that designs, manufactures and markets innovative therapeutic ultrasonic products for spine surgery, skull based surgery, neurosurgery, wound debridement, cosmetic surgery, laparoscopic surgery and other surgical applications, announced that it has hosted a hands-on workshop on ultrasonic bone surgery today, July 17, during the 21st International Meeting on Advanced Spine Technologies in Valencia, Spain, taking place from from July 16-18, 2014. The workshop was moderated and presented by a group of leading surgeon experts with background in pediatric and adult spinal deformity surgery. A group of more than 20 attendees comprised of domestic and international surgeons, and featuring several prominent surgeons engaged actively in discussion with the faculty while they demonstrated the ultrasonic BoneScalpel™, in real time, on a variety of cutting procedures.
The workshop titled "Ultrasonic Bone Surgery" was moderated by Dr. Peter Newton from Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego, CA and started with a series of presentations by Dr. Suken Shah from Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Children's Hospital, Wilmington, DE, Dr. Amer Samdani from Shriners Hospitals for Children, Philadelphia, PA and Dr. Sean Molloy from Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK, followed by Dr. Newton himself. The surgeon team presented on clinical experience at four different sites, including the benefits of the BoneScalpel over traditional bone cutting methods and presented modifications and efficiencies in their surgical techniques as a result of the BoneScalpel's unique characteristics of sparing soft tissue sparing and reducing blood loss during surgical procedures.
The IMAST meeting is an international forum gathering leading spine surgeons for three days to discuss, debate, and demonstrate innovative research and the most advanced spine technologies to help improve patient care. Course highlights include latest research on new and advanced techniques in treating scoliosis, trauma, tumors, and degenerative diseases. The meeting is organized by the Scoliosis Research Society, comprised of more than 1,000 of the world's leading spine surgeons, researchers, physician assistants and orthotists who are involved in research and treatment of predominantly spinal deformities. Last year's international meeting was attended by 550 delegates; the majority of attendees are historically from the U.S.
The consensus among the faculty group was that use of the BoneScalpel leads to a repeatable reduction in blood loss and blood transfusions. Blood loss ranges from 100 mL to 3100 mL in spinal fusions and can be significantly higher in revisions and vertebral osteotomies. Dr. Newton presented results from a study at Rady Children's showing 34% reduction in blood loss and 51% for blood transfusions with cell savers as averaged over two single surgeon controls. The study was recently published in Spinal Deformity which is published by the Scoliosis Research Society.
Dr. Amer Samdani commented on his experience in adopting the technology, "I was immediately enthused by the added safety around neurological structures and not having to hammer and chisel next to the spinal cord. With the experience gained, I have reached new efficiencies and greatly appreciate the reduced bleeding in three column osteotomies."
Dr. Suken Shah added, "Within the first few cases we recognized the tremendous value that the BoneScalpel brings to spine surgery and we now use it on every deformity case. It allows us to be more efficient in bone removal as one is able to cut differently around delicate structures."
Dr. Sean Molloy, commented, "When I perform an adult deformity correction, for instance, my patient will now lose on average about 750 mL of blood, whereas in the past it was at least twice that. The BoneScalpel has absolutely transformed my practice."
Michael A. McManus, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Misonix comments, "We are extremely pleased to have hosted a hands-on workshop with leading experts in pediatric and adult spinal deformity. The faculty group concurred that the BoneScalpel delivers major benefits as it relates to safety, efficiency and reduction in blood loss for spinal fusions. The workshop was incredibly well attended and the audience actively engaged in hands-on trials and discussions with the faculty. We are pleased with the outcome of this workshop."
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