Ruthless Spine at NASS 2023

In the dynamic realm of medical technology, innovation serves as the driving force propelling the healthcare industry forward. At the 2023 North American Spine Society (NASS) conference, a standout among the participants was Ruthless Spine, a company that unveiled a groundbreaking solution for spinal surgeons - the RJB intraoperative surgical angle measurement tool. Our discussion with Dr. Shane Pak, the Chairman and Founder of Ruthless Spine, on Doctech.live, illuminated the remarkable attributes of the RJB and how it is set to revolutionize the field of spine surgery.

RJB Intraoperative Surgical Angle Measurement Tool

Conventional surgical navigation systems have typically demanded substantial investments in terms of capital, time, and training. The RJB, on the other hand, takes a novel approach. Dr. Pak elucidated that it is a single-use disposable navigation system, a concept that distinguishes it from all others in the market. Comprising an Android tablet and single-use disposable modules connected wirelessly via Bluetooth, this simplicity augments the surgical workflow, eliminating the need for complex setups and saving precious time in the operating room.

With the RJB, surgeons can easily visualize the axial and sagittal trajectory of the instrument shaft directly on the tablet screen, simplifying pre-operative orientation.

One of the standout features of the RJB is its gravity-based registration. Dr. Pak elucidated that by placing the patient on the operating table and performing an AP fluoroscopy, the spine becomes registered to gravity. Subsequently, the RJB module registers to gravity, forging a seamless connection to the spine. This eliminates the necessity for additional hardware like iliac bolt clamps or spinous process clamps, streamlining the surgical process.

The workflow of the RJB system is a testament to its efficiency. After orienting the spine to the true AP, surgeons can swiftly adjust the instrument's angle using the RJB's pre-templated axial angle. This empowers surgeons to execute procedures on both sides without the need to switch positions, resulting in a remarkably swift workflow. Dr. Pak shared his accomplishment of completing ten screws in just eight minutes using this method, underscoring the system's speed and precision.

Advantages for Hospitals and Patients

The RJB system extends numerous advantages, benefiting not only surgeons but also hospitals and patients alike. Hospitals stand to gain from a cost-effective solution with zero capital costs, as they only incur expenses for the consumables they employ. Furthermore, the system's compact design is particularly suited for smaller operating rooms. Patients, on the other hand, reap the benefits of enhanced accuracy, as improperly positioned screws can lead to complications. With the RJB, the risk of misplacement is significantly reduced, enhancing patient care and outcomes.

FDA Approval and Future Prospects

Ruthless Spine's RJB has received full FDA approval and is poised to make a substantial impact in the United States and wherever FDA-approved medical implants are permitted. Dr. Pak's unwavering enthusiasm for the RJB and its potential to revolutionize spine surgery permeated our discussion, highlighting the innovative technology's capacity to transform the field.

Conclusion

Our conversation with Dr. Shane Pak from Ruthless Spine at NASS 2023 illuminated the immense potential of the RJB system in revolutionizing spine surgery. Its simplicity, reliance on proven technology, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness make it a promising solution for both surgeons and patients. As Ruthless Spine progresses with its FDA-approved RJB system, the future of spine surgery appears to be on the cusp of a remarkable transformation.

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