BioMedical Technologies International has announced that it will distribute VTI’s (Vertebral Technology, Inc.) InterFuse S and InterFuse T spinal fusion devices throughout Mexico. The partnership was just announced at the AMCICO Spine Congress (Asociacion Mexicana de Cirujanos de Columna/Mexican Association of Spine Surgeons/Spine Surgeons Association of Mexico) in Mexico City.
BioMed Tech to Distribute VTI Products in Mexico
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BioMed Tech. International President and CEO Marco Vega commented in the September 9, 2016 news release, “We are proud to work with the most important opinion leaders on MIS Spine Surgery in Mexico and Latin America. As a MIS [minimally invasive surgery] Spine distributor leader we have the responsibility to increase the awareness of new and experienced physicians with the practice of MIS surgery. We decided to carry Interfuse in Mexico, because we are a Company who handles the most advanced Minimally Invasive Spine Products for our MIS Surgeons and Patients.”
“We have seen significant interest from Mexican surgeons at the various international congresses and we are looking forward to bringing the unique benefits of InterFuse to the Mexican Spine Surgeons and their Patients, ” said VTI Vice President of International Sales, Ben Wasscher. “Biomedical is a well-respected distributor in the Mexican spine market with great geographic coverage through its six offices and its large team of motivated sales people.”
Asked about comments they have received from Mexican surgeons, Ben Wasscher told OTW, “We presented the product at last week’s AMCICO congress in Queretaro (Mexico), where it generated a great deal of interest. Surgeons commented that this was really the only innovative product shown at the congress. The small size of the individual modules (8mm) was appreciated as it would facilitate less invasive approaches. The surgeons also liked the large footprint (once the device is fully assembled) which will resist subsidence and migration.”
As for how things might proceed in this market, he commented to OTW, “The expectation is that the first implants will take place in the next few weeks. VTI and our distribution partner Biomedical Technologies Intl. are scheduling a number of training opportunities in the coming few months, including cadaver labs, in order for surgeons to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the implantation technique.”
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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.
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