AO Foundation

DAVOS, Switzerland, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With a 20-plus-year legacy as the world's premier education provider in spine surgery, AO Spine —a clinical division of the AO —continues to revolutionize surgeon education with its new, globally developed competency-based curriculum courses launching in 2025. Continue Reading AO Spine’s new competency-based curriculum courses were a sellout, garnering enthusiastic support when piloted earlier this year. These cutting-edge learning experiences, developed by spine surgeons for spine surgeons in collaboration with the AO Education Institute, will provide spine surgeons worldwide with the latest knowledge to take their skills to the next level. The first courses will be offered in spinal deformities and minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). Each course addresses selected, standardized learning objectives, based on the AO Spine Curriculum, ensuring AO Spine quality standards are met for each participant, no matter where they decide to attend the course. The new courses offer participants a unique pathway to surgical proficiency, beginning with principles addressing the core competencies that every surgeon should have, followed by advanced courses addressing more advanced techniques. All courses are built around three primary components: State-of-the-art online pre-course learning at participants' own pace Case-based tasks in which participants apply their newly acquired knowledge to real-world patient cases in the classroom through small group discussions or specifically designed exercises, deepening their understanding and enhancing their clinical decision-making through collaborative case analysis Practical exercises with a skills lab approach, giving learners step-by-step guidance as they apply their skills and use the appropriate technologies and techniques on customized models or human anatomical specimens "AO Spine Education constantly strives to move with the latest trends and be relevant in an increasingly challenging market," said AO Spine Education Commission Chairperson Richard Bransford (United States). "The AO Spine courses create the foundation for proper spinal patient management and lie at the core of our course design and delivery." Recognizing the need for regional flexibility, expert faculty will bring their experiences and unique perspectives, mentoring participants through highly interactive case discussions and hands-on exercises. AO EI Executive Director Tobias Hüttl explained that a standardized framework "ensures we are providing highest educational standards globally while allowing the regions to be responsive to their unique needs." For more information and interview requests, please contact: AO Foundation Olga Harrington, Head of Communications [email protected] Tel.: +41 81 414 21 11 About the AO The AO is a medically guided, not-for-profit organization, a global network of surgeons, and the world's leading education, innovation, and research organization specializing in the surgical treatment of trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. For more information, visit . About the AO Education Institute The AO Education Institute (AO EI) is the AO's center of excellence for designing curricula, assessment, and evaluation of educational outcomes, faculty development, medical education research, and the creation of educational tools and media. About AO Spine A clinical division of the AO, AO Spine is the world's premier knowledge provider in spine surgery, generating, distrib­uting, and exchanging knowledge to advance spine care through education, research, and community development. © AO Foundation, Communications & Events Logo - Photo - SOURCE AO Foundation WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

Augmented reality headset gives surgeons "x-ray vision" during procedures for accurate and personalized implant placement while keeping their eyes on their patients HACKENSACK, N.J., July 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Harshpal Singh of Premier Brain & Spine is among the first surgeons in the state to perform spine surgery with the Augmedics xvision Spine System, a groundbreaking augmented reality (AR) guidance system that allows surgeons to "see through" a patient's anatomy as if they have "x-ray vision." The xvision Spine System is the first AR guidance system to be used in surgery and is currently approved for use in open and minimally invasive spine implant procedures. Similar to a real-time GPS, this "see-through" surgery lets surgeons know exactly where to place implants in a patient's unique anatomy, and is bringing a new standard of personalization and care to the operating room. The xvision Spine System is different from other image guidance systems, as it allows surgeons to maintain their focus directly on the patient, rather than on a distant screen displaying the patient's anatomy. "As one of the first surgeons in New Jersey to use augmented reality in spine surgery, I am incredibly honored to bring this advanced technology to our patients," said Dr. Singh. "The remarkable efforts by Augmedics have made it possible to enhance surgical precision and improve patient care." Dr. Singh is a board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeon at Premier Brain & Spine, with several thousand spine cases under his belt. The procedure, a lumber spinal decompression and fusion, was performed at Hackensack University Hospital. The xvision Spine System consists of a transparent near-eye-display headset and all elements of a traditional navigation system. It accurately determines the position of surgical tools, in real-time, and superimposes them on the patient's CT data. The navigation data is then projected onto the surgeon's retina using the headset, allowing him or her to simultaneously look at both the patient and the navigation data. The xvision Spine System is designed to revolutionize how surgery is done by giving the surgeon better control and visualization, which may lead to easier, faste, and safer surgeries. About Premier Brain & Spine Premier Brain & Spine is a leading spine surgery practice serving patients across New Jersey and New York. Premier Brain & Spine's distinguished surgeons are extensively trained in minimally-invasive spine surgery techniques, dedicated to helping patients achieve a pain-free and active lifestyle with the shortest possible recovery times. Committed to providing the highest standard of care, this team ensures each patient receives personalized and effective treatment tailored to their unique needs. For more information on Premier Brain & Spine, call (866) 590-0601 or visit About Augmedics With Augmedics, the future of surgery is within sight. The Chicago-based company aims to improve healthcare by augmenting surgery with cutting edge technologies that solve unmet clinical needs and instill technological confidence in the surgical workflow. Its pioneering xvision system, the first augmented reality guidance system for surgery, allows surgeons to "see" the patient's anatomy through skin and tissue as if they have "x-ray vision," and to accurately navigate instruments and implants during spine procedures. Augmedics is backed by Terra Venture Partners and AO Invest, a venture arm of the AO Foundation. The AO is a medically guided, not-for-profit organization, a global network of surgeons, and the world's leading education, innovation, and research organization for the surgical treatment of trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. For more information, visit . SOURCE Premier Brain & Spine

TAMPERE, Finland, Aug. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --Bioretec Ltd, a pioneering company dedicated to advancing orthopedic biodegradable implants, has refined and expanded its esteemed Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). To further strengthen its strategic focus areas, Bioretec has assembled a distinguished group of key opinion leaders to represent expertise from the refocused RemeOs™ portfolio. These top-tier experts and surgeons, renowned for their significant contributions to orthopedics and medical research, will form Bioretec's Scientific Advisory Board. These eminent surgeons, specializing in orthopedic trauma (Prof. Dr. Klaus Dresing[i], Germany and Prof. Dr. Fan Liu[ii], China), foot and ankle surgery (Prof. Dr. Stefan Rammelt[iii], Germany and Dr. Robert Leland[iv], USA), pediatric orthopedic trauma (Prof. Dr. Theddy Slongo[v], Switzerland and Dr. Verena Schreiber[vi], USA) and spine surgery (Prof. Dr. Jeffrey Wang[vii], USA and Dr. Richard Assaker[viii], France), have been carefully selected to form Bioretec's high-powered SAB. More than just a group of big names, the SAB will play an integral role in guiding the company's processes regarding clinical product development, education and training programs, and engaging surgeon communities. Bioretec is poised to transform orthopedic surgical practice with its new cutting-edge technology. The RemeOs™ product line represents a major milestone, offering a breakthrough solution that combines the benefits of biodegradability, implant strength, and performance. This transforming technology not only ensures effective treatment but also eliminates the need for subsequent implant removal surgeries, thereby enhancing patient comfort and reducing healthcare costs. Bioretec's dedication to excellence extends beyond its innovative products. Actively involving key opinion leaders in the pre- and postmarket processes, Bioretec guarantees that its solutions meet the evolving needs and expectations of medical professionals. This collaborative approach ensures that surgeons and healthcare professionals remain at the forefront of advancements in the field. The Scientific Advisory Board will work closely with Bioretec's executive team, contributing their valuable perspectives and knowledge to advance the company's research, development, and clinical strategies. Their collective insights, combined with their influence within the medical community, will empower Bioretec to push the boundaries of orthopedic innovation, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide. Timo Lehtonen, the CEO of Bioretec, expresses his gratitude for the support received from these renowned international surgeons, stating, "It is critical for Bioretec to have gained the support of key opinion leaders in different disciplines. We are therefore very honored that such a distinguished group of surgeons trust Bioretec and our new RemeOs™ product line to set a new standard in the orthopedic industry. By harnessing the collective expertise of the SAB, Bioretec aims to achieve the capability to drive significant improvements in clinical performance and patient experience. Their combined expertise and vision align seamlessly with Bioretec's mission to improve patient's quality of life through innovative orthopedic solutions," Lehtonen continues. Further enquiries Timo Lehtonen, CEO, tel. +358 50 433 8493 Johanna Salko, CFO, tel. +358 40 754 8172 Bioretec in brief Bioretec is a globally operating Finnish medical device company that continues to pioneer the application of biodegradable orthopedic implants. The company has built unique competencies in the biological interface of active implants to enhance bone growth and accelerate fracture healing after orthopedic surgery. The products developed and manufactured by Bioretec are used worldwide in approximately 40 countries.  Bioretec is developing the new RemeOs™ product line based on a magnesium alloy and hybrid composite, introducing a new generation of strong bioresorbable materials for enhanced surgical outcomes. The RemeOs™ implants are resorbed and replaced by bone, which eliminates the need for removal surgery while facilitating fracture healing. The combination has the potential to make titanium implants redundant and help clinics reach their Value-Based Healthcare targets while focusing on value for patients through efficient healthcare. The first RemeOs™ product market authorization has been received in the U.S. in March 2023, and in Europe, CE-mark is expected to be received during 2023. Bioretec is positioning itself to enter the addressable USD 7 billion global orthopedic trauma market and become a game changer in surgical bone fracture treatment. Better healing - Better life. [i] Prof. Dr. Klaus Dresing (Chairman): Former Vice Director of the Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopedics, and Plastic Surgery at Göttingen University Medical Center in Germany. Numerous earlier leadership positions in AO Foundation. [ii] Prof. Dr. Fan Liu: Chief and Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Affiliated Hospital to Nantong University in China. Vice President of the Chinese Orthopedic Association and the Chinese Association of Orthopedic Surgeons. [iii] Prof. Dr. Stefan Rammelt: Professor and Head of the Foot & Ankle Section, University Center of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany. President, German Society of Biomaterials. Vice-President, German Foot & Ankle Society. [iv] Dr. Robert Leland: Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopedics at the University of Colorado, USA. Member of the Colorado Medical Society, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and AO Alumni. [v] Dr. Verena Schreiber: Pediatric orthopedic surgeon at the Nicklaus Children's Hospital Orthopedic, Sports Health, and Spine Institute, Miami, USA. Member of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, Orthopaedic Research Society, Orthopaedic Trauma Association, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine. [vi] Prof. Dr. Theddy Slongo: Head of Pediatric Surgery and Child Traumatology university hospital of Bern, Switzerland. Member and founder of AO Foundation's Pediatric Expert Group and Chairman of the External Fixator expert group of AO Foundation [vii] Prof. Dr. Jeffrey Wang: Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Neurosurgery, Co-Director of the USC Spine Center, Los Angeles, USA. Numerous leadership roles in internationally respected medical organizations, including AO Spine, the North American Spine Society NASS, the Cervical Spine Research Society, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. a Second Medical Opinion Physician with the National Hockey League (NHL), and the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA). [viii] Prof. Dr. Richard Assaker: Professor of Neurosurgery at CHRU Lille, Hôpital Salengro in Lille, France. Member of the French Society of Neurosurgery, Member of the French Society of Spine Surgery, member of the Spine Societies of Europe SSE, Member of the North American Spine Societies NASS, Member of the International Educational Committee of the NASS, Chairman of the international education residents program. SOURCE Bioretec