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Medical Device Start-Up News, October 2012

This month we cover SpineGuard, which has developed technology for safer, more accurate pedicle screw placement, and Domain Surgical, which uses thermal energy to precisely incise tissue.

Pedicle screws are by far the most common implant used in spinal surgery, yet high rates of screw misplacements, which can lead to major neurologic and vascular damage, including paralysis or even death, continue to plague the industry. Imaging and navigational systems utilized to place screws tend not to be all that accurate and expose surgeons and staff to considerable radiation that over time can lead to diseases such as thyroid cancer or cataracts.

PediGuard from SpineGuard SA, in contrast, is a screwdriver-shaped and sized instrument that uses real-time audio and visual signals...

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