Ascendx Spine has announced the expansion of its distribution networks into Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and France. The company is slated to begin commercial shipments to these markets imminently.
Ascendx Spine Expands Across Europe
1 min read Premium comments
Secondary
“We are expecting rapid market validation of our Ascendx VCF Repair System and the Acu-Cut Vertebral Augmentation System, both of which are designed for the treatment of spinal fractures, ” said Julian M. Mackenzie, CEO, in the July 9, 2012 news release. “Our distribution partners in Europe will soon be able to offer spine surgeons and interventional radiologists a uniquely improved proprietary balloon kyphoplasty method designed to secure effective clinical outcomes for their patients with vertebral compression fractures, ” added Mackenzie.
When OTW asked, ‘Why these countries and why now?’ Mackenzie said,
These countries were selected based on: their high population of osteoporosis, patient demand for the procedure and favorable reimbursement. Additionally, since receiving CE Marking for both the Acu-Cut and Fracture Reduction Systems, the selected distributors in those countries were very interested in representing Ascendx as they felt they could close orders quickly based on the physician demand to inject bone cement with our balloon still inflated in the vertebral body and the fracture reduced.
Regarding the establishment of these connections, Mackenzie told OTW,
We are fortunate to have an experienced sales manager in Europe that has gained many professional contacts over the past 15+ years. Also, due to our published regulatory clearances and favorable clinical data, many distributors and physicians sought us out in Amsterdam at the Spine Week meeting in May with interest in representing Ascendx throughout Europe and Asia.
React:
Discussion
This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
Join the conversation
Orthopedic professionals are discussing this. Sign in and upgrade to read every comment and add your voice.