Nerve localization is important during many spine procedures and helps physicians avoid damaging nerves while performing the procedures. This procedure uses needle electrodes that are placed on a patient’s limbs to locate motor neurons in the spine from where they then generate signals that a neuromonitoring specialist interprets, in turn guiding the surgeon.
However, neurologic complications such as pain or weakness in the hip or leg, resulting from the bruising or stretching of nerves near the surgical area persist in spite of the procedures. According to stats, temporary complications affect 9.4% of patients, while permanent complications are reported in 2.5% of patients.
Sentio is a company that uses a platform that provides real-time feedback directly to the surgeon on nerve location using adhesive smart-sensors placed on the skin. The system can be set up by any operating room personnel, and does not require a neuromonitoring specialist.
DePuy Synthes Products, Inc., part of the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, acquired by J&J way back in 1998, has, today announced the acquisition of Innovative Surgical Solutions, LLC, aka Sentio.
“With Sentio’s nerve localization technology, DePuy Synthes will strengthen its spine portfolio in decompression procedures as well as lateral surgery, and build a platform for future innovation in minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon-driven approach will also help us reach more customers operating in an ambulatory surgery setting. This acquisition underscores our commitment to investing in differentiated technologies that help us reach more customers and patients around the world.”
said Ciro Römer, DePuy Synthes chairman, in the statement.DePuy presently has the second largest spine business in the world with a broad portfolio of spinal care solutions, including treatments for aging spine, less invasive surgery, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, care delivery innovation and enabling technologies; and now plans to leverage its broad network to globally expand the availability of Sentio’s technology, which until now has focused on a narrow market in southeast Michigan.
