VB Spine LLC (“VB Spine”), the largest privately held spine company, today announced it has completed its acquisition of the exclusive rights to Augmedics’ CT-to-fluoroscopy (CT-Fluoro) technology for spine applications and will immediately begin integrating the technology into the xvision Spine System® platform.
VB Spine Completes Transaction for CT-Fluoro Technology from Augmedics
2 min read Premium comments
“We are pleased to complete this transaction and continue building on the momentum of our technology portfolio,” said Marc Viscogliosi, co-CEO of VB Spine, speaking on behalf of his brothers, Anthony and John Viscogliosi. “The addition of CT-Fluoro technology to xvision reflects our commitment to equipping surgeons with advanced navigation solutions that support a wide range of spine procedures.”
CT-Fluoro technology uses a patient’s preoperative CT scan together with fluoroscopic images from a standard 2D C-arm to support augmented reality (AR) during spine procedures. With xvision, it adds a registration method that expands the imaging options available to surgeons.
“Incorporating CT-Fluoro technology into spine surgery workflows gives more surgeons in more settings the opportunity to adopt AR navigation as a standard for their practice, particularly in regional hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers where traditional intraoperative 3D imaging and navigation systems are cost-prohibitive,” said Dr. Frank Phillips of Midwest Orthopedics at Rush University Medical Center and the first surgeon who completed the world’s first AR-navigated minimally invasive spine surgery, a lumbar fusion with spinal implants on a patient with spinal instability. “In my own ASC practice, the ability to use AR off a preoperative CT has been game-changing. After two standard intraoperative fluoroscopic images and a minute or two of registration, I’m able to proceed directly with AR-guided surgery.”
VB Spine and Augmedics are working together to ensure a seamless transition of the technology.
Dr. Phillips is a paid consultant of VB Spine. The opinions expressed by Dr. Phillips are his own and not necessarily those of VB Spine. Individual experiences may vary.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release are forward-looking and are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially due to regulatory, commercial, and operational risks. VB Spine disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.
About VB Spine
VB Spine LLC is the largest privately held spine company and among the largest family-owned medical technology companies in the world. With a comprehensive portfolio and a large and growing global distribution network, VB Spine delivers specialized solutions that address critical needs in spine surgery and enhance patient outcomes. Focused on people, partnerships, and operational excellence, VB Spine ensures healthcare professionals have access to the tools and resources needed to provide the highest standard of care. VB Spine is owned and led by the Viscogliosi Brothers. For more information on VB Spine, please visit www.vbspineco.com.
For media inquiries only:
spinecommunications@vbspineco.com
Author
TH
TJ Halvorson
The De Angelis Group | Orthopedics This Week | MSK Innovations
Why This Matters
Two Perspectives
MBA Lens: Economic and industry impact
VB Spine, the largest privately held spine company, acquired exclusive rights to Augmedics' CT-Fluoro technology, integrating it into its xvision Spine System®. This strategic move aims to expand advanced navigation solutions, particularly for regional hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers where traditional intraoperative 3D imaging systems are cost-prohibitive. The acquisition supports wider adoption of AR navigation by offering a more accessible and cost-effective option.
- Enhances VB Spine's competitive position by addressing a market segment sensitive to capital expenditure.
- Facilitates broader market penetration for AR navigation in spine surgery, impacting adoption rates.
PhD Lens: Clinical and outcomes impact
The acquired CT-Fluoro technology integrates preoperative CT scans with standard 2D C-arm fluoroscopic images to support augmented reality (AR) during spine procedures. This technology provides a new registration method for the xvision Spine System®, enabling AR-guided surgery after minimal intraoperative fluoroscopy. It aims to make advanced navigation more accessible, potentially improving surgical precision in various settings.
- Mechanism involves combining 3D preoperative data with 2D intraoperative fluoroscopy for AR guidance.
- Clinical utility demonstrated in minimally invasive lumbar fusion, enhancing navigation in procedures like spinal instability.
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.