Putting a Charge in Healing: Electrical Stimulators Show Great Promise, Especially for Spinal Fusions

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah Schenberger
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Fracture Healing ◽  
Spinal Fusion ◽  
Rapid Growth ◽  
New Products ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Patent Activity ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Spinal Fusions ◽  
A Charge

Spinal fusion is the latest application of electrical stimulation as a fracture healing. This exciting new application has been proven over 30 years of use, and the market is now poised for rapid growth. Patent activity shows an increased interest in this technology, and both start-up companies and orthopedic giants can thus benefit from introducing new products in this field.

scholarly journals Modulation of torque evoked by wide-pulse, high-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation and the potential implications for rehabilitation and training

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Donnelly ◽  
Jonathan Stegmüller ◽  
Anthony J. Blazevich ◽  
Fabienne Crettaz von Roten ◽  
Bengt Kayser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Motor Units ◽  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Measured Parameter ◽  
Time Integral ◽  
Spinal Circuitry ◽  
Evoked Force

AbstractThe effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for rehabilitation is proportional to the evoked torque. The progressive increase in torque (extra torque) that may develop in response to low intensity wide-pulse high-frequency (WPHF) NMES holds great promise for rehabilitation as it overcomes the main limitation of NMES, namely discomfort. WPHF NMES extra torque is thought to result from reflexively recruited motor units at the spinal level. However, whether WPHF NMES evoked force can be modulated is unknown. Therefore, we examined the effect of two interventions known to change the state of spinal circuitry in opposite ways on evoked torque and motor unit recruitment by WPHF NMES. The interventions were high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and anodal transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS). We show that TENS performed before a bout of WPHF NMES results in lower evoked torque (median change in torque time-integral: − 56%) indicating that WPHF NMES-evoked torque might be modulated. In contrast, the anodal tsDCS protocol used had no effect on any measured parameter. Our results demonstrate that WPHF NMES extra torque can be modulated and although the TENS intervention blunted extra torque production, the finding that central contribution to WPHF NMES-evoked torques can be modulated opens new avenues for designing interventions to enhance WPHF NMES.

Fueling Spin-offs: Case Studies of University-based Technology Start-up Funding

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-40
Author(s):  
Julie Lenzer ◽  
Piotr Kulczakowicz
Keyword(s):  
Product Development ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
New Products ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Private Investment ◽  
Building Relationships ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Single Path

The new technologies born from academic research can be very promising, yet they are often very early stage. University spin-off companies are uniquely positioned to tackle the risks associated with new technologies emerging from academia by developing proofs of concept, functioning prototypes, and new products. While these enterprises start from a solid research and development foundation, they face their own unique set of challenges—they are strongly anchored in the scientific and technological expertise that is typically backed by intellectual property but often lack the business experience needed to develop and market products demanded by customers. University spin-offs have access to substantial non-dilutive funding that can be utilized for advancing product development. While the relentless pursuit of these funds builds a company's credibility and improves its position for negotiating future private investment, university spin-offs would greatly benefit from an early focus on complementing their technology teams with their business teams. These new enterprises should consider pursuing private investment in parallel to utilizing sources of non-dilutive funding. Timing of private investment is extremely important to maximize the value of the opportunity, and, therefore, building relationships with investors early on and getting ready for executing an investment round can greatly increase odds for success. While there is no single path to formulate, pursue, and adapt successful financing strategies, lessons can be learned from real-life cases of university spin-offs that continue their journeys towards ultimate success.

Characteristics and Determinants of New Start-ups in Gujarat, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Ajay Kumar ◽  
Bhim Jyoti
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
New Products ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
The Body ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Annual Sale ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Start Ups

Purpose: This study examines the relationship of socio-economic characteristics of start-ups with their size in Gujarat, India. It also assesses the determinants affecting the annual sale of start-ups. Methods: It includes primary information based on a survey of 120 founders of start-ups. Linear and semi-log linear regression models have been applied to assess the determinants of start-ups. Probit regression models have been considered to assess the factors affecting the annual sale of the start-ups. Results: Stage of start-up, the participation of founders in conferences, educational qualification, and new products launched by start-ups, professional connections of founders, source of funding, and support from incubator/accelerator/supporting organizations are found crucial determinants of start-up size in Gujarat. The annual sales of the start-ups are positively associated with stage of start-up, support from a mentor, team members, founder's academic qualification, and collaboration with national or international organizations, unskilled workers. Implications: Technology transfer and commercialization, development of new products, government regulations, the requirement of costumers, free rights for entrepreneurs, appropriate financial support for new entrepreneurs, transparency and clarity in government policies, the establishment of high-tech start-ups, and development of digital infrastructure, increase in R&D spending in research academia, and association of research institutions with entrepreneurs would be conducive to create an appropriate start-ups ecosystem and to reduce regional development disparities across Indian states. Subsequently, it would be helpful to increase sustainable development in India.  Originality: This study has used primary information of 120 founders of start-ups to assess the determinants, and the factors affecting annual sales of start-ups using the regression model in, Gujrat, India. Thus, it has an empirical contribution to the body of knowledge. Limitations: This study could not provide rational justifications on most factors that show an insignificant impact on start-ups due to the small sample size. Further research, therefore, may be considered to identify the association of start-up size with the variables using a large sample size in India.  

scholarly journals Novel spinal instrumentation to enhance osteogenesis and fusion: a preliminary study

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 318-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew R. MacEwan ◽  
Michael R. Talcott ◽  
Daniel W. Moran ◽  
Eric C. Leuthardt
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Quantitative Analysis ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Bone Density ◽  
Spinal Fusion ◽  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
Lumbar Fusion ◽  
Spinal Instrumentation ◽  
Ct Scanner ◽  
Vertebral Bodies

OBJECTIVE Instrumented spinal fusion continues to exhibit high failure rates in patients undergoing multilevel lumbar fusion or pseudarthrosis revision; with Grade II or higher spondylolisthesis; or in those possessing risk factors such as obesity, tobacco use, or metabolic disorders. Direct current (DC) electrical stimulation of bone growth represents a unique surgical adjunct in vertebral fusion procedures, yet existing spinal fusion stimulators are not optimized to enhance interbody fusion. To develop an advanced method of applying DC electrical stimulation to promote interbody fusion, a novel osteogenic spinal system capable of routing DC through rigid instrumentation and into the vertebral bodies was fabricated. A pilot study was designed to assess the feasibility of osteogenic instrumentation and compare the ability of osteogenic instrumentation to promote successful interbody fusion in vivo to standard spinal instrumentation with autograft. METHODS Instrumented, single-level, posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with autologous graft was performed at L4–5 in adult Toggenburg/Alpine goats, using both osteogenic spinal instrumentation (plus electrical stimulation) and standard spinal instrumentation (no electrical stimulation). At terminal time points (3 months, 6 months), animals were killed and lumbar spines were explanted for radiographic analysis using a SOMATOM Dual Source Definition CT Scanner and high-resolution Microcat II CT Scanner. Trabecular continuity, radiodensity within the fusion mass, and regional bone formation were examined to determine successful spinal fusion. RESULTS Quantitative analysis of average bone density in pedicle screw beds confirmed that electroactive pedicle screws used in the osteogenic spinal system focally enhanced bone density in instrumented vertebral bodies. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of high-resolution CT scans of explanted lumbar spines further demonstrated that the osteogenic spinal system induced solid bony fusion across the L4–5 disc space as early as 6 weeks postoperatively. In comparison, inactive spinal instrumentation with autograft was unable to promote successful interbody fusion by 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study demonstrate that novel osteogenic spinal instrumentation supports interbody fusion through the focal delivery of DC electrical stimulation. With further technical development and scientific/clinical validation, osteogenic spinal instrumentation may offer a unique alternative to biological scaffolds and pharmaceutical adjuncts used in spinal fusion procedures.

Abdominal complications following posterior spinal fusion in patients with previous abdominal surgeries

2011 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. E16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Shih ◽  
Nicholas P. Slimack ◽  
Anil Roy ◽  
Richard G. Fessler ◽  
Tyler R. Koski
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Surgery ◽  
Spinal Fusion ◽  
Prone Position ◽  
Perioperative Period ◽  
Posterior Spinal Fusion ◽  
Physiological Changes ◽  
Abdominal Complications ◽  
Abdominal Complication ◽  
History Of ◽  
Spinal Fusions

Perioperative abdominal complications associated with spine surgery are rare. Although most known abdominal complications occur in conjunction with anterior spinal fusions, there is a paucity of reports reviewing abdominal complications occurring with posterior spinal fusions. The authors review 4 patients who experienced a perioperative abdominal complication following a posterior spinal fusion. In each of these patients, a history of abdominal surgery is present. Given the physiological changes that occur with surgery in the prone position, patients with previous abdominal surgeries are at risk for developing abdominal complications in the perioperative period.

Analysing Patent Terms and Citations to Determine the Value of Gene Therapies

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Van Dongen ◽  
Zainab Noor El Hejazi ◽  
Eric Claassen
Keyword(s):  
Annual Number ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Health It ◽  
Patent Citations ◽  
Gene Therapies ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Patent Term ◽  
Patent Renewals ◽  
Number Of Citations

Gene therapies hold great promise for treatment of diseases but so far their market authorisation has been limited. This paper describes the development of patented gene therapies in the sector of life sciences and health.  It was found that the annual number of patented gene therapies increased significantly till the year 2005.  A cluster analysis of gene therapies patented in 1995 shows that:  a) more than eighty percent has been renewed for more than fifteen years (fifty three per cent till the maximum patent term) and b) fifty per cent of the patents have been licensed. There is a statistically significant correlation between the numbers of citations in future patent applications by third parties and the number of years of patent renewals. A case study of the patent EP 0833934 of biotechnology start- up Crucell demonstrates that the number of citations by third companies to this patent even predicts the companies’ market capitalization. This research yielded evidence that the number of patent citations can be used as indicator to determine the value of gene therapies. Such information is of relevance for both the patentee and investors.

Spinal Fusion for Pediatric Spondylolisthesis: National Trends, Complications, and Short-Term Outcomes

Neurosurgery ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 82 (5) ◽  
pp. 701-709 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kavelin Rumalla ◽  
Chester K Yarbrough ◽  
Andrew J Pugely ◽  
Ian G Dorward
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Fusion ◽  
Surgical Management ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ◽  
Teaching Hospitals ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Spinal Fusions ◽  
National Trends ◽  
Over Time

AbstractBACKGROUNDCurrent surgical management guidelines for pediatric spondylolisthesis (PS) are reliant on data from single-center cohorts.OBJECTIVETo analyze national trends and predictors of short-term outcomes in spinal fusion surgery for PS by performing a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID).METHODSThe KID (sampled every 3 yr) was queried from 2003 to 2012 to identify all cases (age 5-17) of spinal fusion for PS (n = 2646). We analyzed trends in patient characteristics, surgical management, and short-term outcomes. Both univariate and multivariable analyses were utilized.RESULTSThe 2646 spinal fusions for PS included posterior-only fusions (86.8%, PSF), anterior lumbar interbody fusions (4.8%, ALIF), and combined anterior and posterior fusions (8.4%, APLF) procedures. The utilization of APLF decreased over time (9.9%-6.4%, P = .023), whereas the number of total spinal fusions and the proportion of PSF and ALIF procedures have not changed significantly. Uptrends in Medicaid insured individuals (1.2%-18.9%), recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 insertion (8.8%-16.6%), decompression (34.7%-42.8%), and mean inflation-adjusted hospital costs ($21 855-$32 085) were identified (all P < .001). In multivariable analysis, Medicaid status (odds ratio [OR] = 1.93, P = .004), teaching hospitals (OR = 1.94, P = .01), decompression (OR = 1.78, P = .004), and the APLF procedure (OR = 2.47, P = .001) increased the likelihood of complication occurrence (all P < .001).CONCLUSIONThe addition of decompression during fusion and the APLF procedure were associated with more in-hospital complications, though this may have been indicative of greater surgical complexity. The utilization of the APLF procedure has decreased significantly, while costs associated with the treatment of PS have increased over time.

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