Innovation NetWORK Summit Explores the Future of Spine Care
NASS’ inaugural Innovation NetWORK Summit was held June 20-21, 2025, in Rosemont, IL. The conference brought together clinicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders for two days of collaboration and discussion. For the first time, medical technology executives partnered with NASS in developing the program, resulting in a dynamic blend of clinical insight, market perspective, and cross-disciplinary problem solving.
Participant reaction was immediate and enthusiastic. NASS Executive Director and CEO Eric Muehlbauer, MJ, CAE, noted, "Attendees have told us that this was the best spine meeting they've ever attended. It's unlike anything they'd experienced before." One participant called it "an outstanding program—very unique!"
Current Market Conditions in Spine
Orthoworld spine analyst Mike Evers kicked off day one in Rosemont with a presentation on the spine market. He said the market generated $10.8 billion in worldwide sales during 2024, and the number is expected to rise. According to Orthoworld’s estimates, the US accounts for 71% of spine sales but companies are finding international opportunities.
Evers listed the spine market’s major players as:
- Medtronic – scale and technology
- Globus – successful NUVA deal
- J&J MedTech – share donor
- Stryker – divested in early 2025
- ATEC – aggressive share-taker
Market consolidation has played a huge role in spine in recent years. Over the last decade, Evers said, spine is the most active segment of orthopedic merger and acquisition. Still, demand remains strong in spine amidst an aging population and more informed health care consumers who are aware of their options, and seek medical care.
Understanding the MedTech Innovation Ecosystem
Greg Banker, a partner at Minneapolis-based Vensana Capital, which focuses on MedTech, gave a high-level overview of the modern MedTech landscape. He said the lifecycle of a medical device is developing a product from an idea, prove that it works, get regulatory clearance to show its safe and effective, plus reasonable and necessary, so people will pay for it and be reimbursed, and show physicians the new product is better than what he/she is using today.
“When you think about the stakeholders involved in that journey, it’s quite a few,” Banker said. “It’s the FDA, it’s CMS, commercial payers, physicians, hospitals, patients and
manufacturers. It’s a pretty big group. When you think about the challenges of MedTech and VCs, it’s a highly regulated industry with often long timelines.”
Banker said the keys to being a successful MedTech entrepreneur are 1) providing value; 2) developing a device that works; 3) market access; 4) IP for protection; 5) path to exit.
SESSION BREAKOUT
SI-DESIS X: A New Path for Minimally Invasive SI Joint Fusion
Presented by: Jeff Donner, MD ejdonner@gmail.com
SI-Technology’s SI-DESIS X is a stand-alone, minimally invasive device designed for posterior-inferior sacroiliac joint (SIJ) fusion. Unlike traditional lateral approaches, this technique avoids major nerves and blood vessels by following a safer, more anatomical path. The implant stabilizes the joint by anchoring through dense subchondral bone at the joint’s pivot point—enhancing fusion while reducing tissue disruption. Developed by surgeons for surgeons, SI-DESIS X offers a safer, biomechanically optimized alternative for patients with chronic SIJ pain.
Founders Stories and Lessons Learned
Morning session presenters also included Eric Major, whose surgeon-driven design philosophy helped transform K2M into a major global presence in complex spine. Entrepreneurial surgeon Paul Slosar, MD, described the “symbiotic relationship” between innovators and investors, while Isador Lieberman, MD, reflected on his years in the field, noting the importance of persistence and mentorship for burgeoning innovators in the audience. Marc Viscogliosi, whose VB Spine recently purchased Stryker’s spine interest, provided an experienced industry voice.
A discussion on exit strategies emphasized the importance of long-term vision. “Companies are bought, not sold,” noted Viscogliosi. Slosar advised against building a company with an exit in mind.
The Realities of Adoption
Audience questions spurred much discussion. One of the most engaged was a question about the barriers to new technology adoption. Panelists cited the lack of robust clinical trial data, lengthy timelines for novel device reimbursement, biases that shape decision-making, and the high cost and time demands of training. Lieberman emphasized team engagement in the OR, while others noted that the most vocal supporters can sometimes obscure the wider user experience.
SESSION BREAKOUT
Agada Medical: Bringing Predictive Intelligence to Spine Surgery
Presented by: Isador Liberman, MD
Agada Medical is transforming spine care through its groundbreaking platform, The Spine OracleTM. By combining patient-specific imaging, AI-driven biomechanical modeling, and predictive analytics, Agada enables surgeons to simulate procedures and select the optimal surgical plan before entering the operating room. This approach helps reduce unnecessary surgeries, improve patient outcomes, and guide the design of custom implants tailored to each patient’s anatomy and spinal mechanics. With its cutting-edge tools like the Automatic Spine Segmentation Algorithm (ASSA) and Lumbar Spine Simulation Module (LSSM), Agada is redefining spine surgery as a data-driven, personalized science.
NASS Sections on Innovation
While much of the Summit spotlighted industry innovators, a highlight of Day 1 was the NASS Sections & Innovation session, led by Council Director, Michael Fehlings, MD. Each section shared the innovations and technologies shaping its unique niche:
- Radiology – Eexciting advancements coming from deep learning and surgical planning.
- Spinal Cord Injury Management – Noted an increase patient heterogeneity – specifically the increase in middle-aged patients and bike accidents; innovation coming from genetic markers to personalize surgery, and advanced therapies that bypass injured neural circuits.
- Robotics – Lieberman outlined the shift from artisan hand placement to machine precision, highlighting the cognitive load lightening from robotics usage.
- Deformity – Christopher Shaffrey, MD, discussed the latest in frailty assessment, predictive modeling, and individualized treatment strategies.
- Patient Care Continuum – Matthew Smuck, MD, discussed physical performance and activity monitoring, as well as the lack of shared language between providers and patients that would allow for clear communication regarding context and consequences of choices.
- AI in Spine – NASS President Scott Kreiner, MD, pointed to emerging and near-future applications in visit management, diagnostics, digital rehabilitation, surgical planning, and custom implants.
A Look at the Road Ahead
NASS Past President Zoher Ghogawala, MD, discussed the future of spine care. He noted the inherent disorganization in spine care with primary care providers, physical therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, pain management providers, and surgeons and noted that we need to get people to the right provider at the right time.
He also identified existential threats for the field. Fragmented advocacy, or the ‘Balkanization’ of physician lobbying efforts, topped the list. Surgeons need to consider how to best increase their impact. Opportunities lie in data, registries, and leveraging that data.
SESSION BREAKOUT
Intrinsic Therapeutics’ Barricaid® Annular Closure Device: Preventing Reherniation with Precision
Presented by: Kelsey Miller kmiller@in-or.com
Intrinsic Therapeutics has introduced Barricaid®, a specialized implant designed to minimize reherniation and reoperation in patients who undergo lumbar discectomy and present with large annular defects (>4–5 mm). The device combines a flexible polymer mesh that seals the disc defect and a titanium bone-anchored anchor that secures it in place. Clinical results underscore its effectiveness. In a multicenter randomized trial, Barricaid users experienced notably fewer reherniations (50.8% vs 30.1% herniation-free at 24 months) and fewer reoperations compared to standard discectomy alone. A 5-year follow-up published in JAMA confirmed these benefits, showing continued superiority over discectomy without closure. Additionally, Barricaid has been successfully integrated into endoscopic discectomy procedures. In June 2025, surgeons performed the first endoscopic implantation using Amplify Surgical’s dualPortal® system—further expanding its application in minimally invasive spine surgery.
Key Takeaways
In closing out the first day’s sessions, Ghogawala shared a list of his key takeaways from the day’s discussions.
- Know your customer and what business model will work best for that customer.
- When making your pitch, know your audience.
- A cohesive, strong team that can adapt and pivot may be as important as the innovation itself.
- Advances in minimally invasive spine surgery inherently make sense.
- The most complex spine surgeries are very successful, cost effective, and improve quality of life for patients.
- When designing a medical device, stay involved with surgeons.
- As Marc Viscogliosi observed, “This is the golden age of spine innovation.”
Missed Out on Attending the Innovation NetWORK Summit?
Whether your focus is biologics, robotics, AI, or rethinking patient pathways, the Innovation NetWORK Summit offered a rare 360° view of where spine care is headed, and how NASS members are helping lead the say.
If you missed the live event, you can still access every address, panel, and product pitch with the OnDemand recordings. Watch sessions at your own pace and see firsthand how the conversations at Innovation NetWORK are shaping the future of our field.
SESSION BREAKOUT
Foundation Surgical’s Vertiwedge® Intraosseous Device: A Game-Changer in Motion Preserving Spine Surgery
Presented by: Asher Breverman abreverman@foundationsurgical.com
Foundation Surgical’s Vertiwedge® Intraosseous Device has received FDA 510(k) clearance, introducing a novel, motion sparing option for partial vertebral body replacement via the Vertebral Body Osteotomy (VBO®) technique. Designed for use in the thoracolumbar spine (T1–L5), Vertiwedge treats collapsed vertebral segments due to degeneration, trauma, or tumors—correcting vertebral height while preserving natural disc and facet motion.
Key highlights: Motion preservation: Unlike traditional interbody fusion, Vertiwedge enables indirect nerve-root decompression and vertebral height restoration without rigid fusion. Advanced design: The implant features a 3D-printed cancellous lattice that mimics natural bone structure, promoting biomechanical compatibility, osseointegration, and optimized load transfer. Clinical and industry recognition: It earned the 2025 OMTEC Award for Groundbreaking Device Design, highlighting its advanced materials, additive manufacturing, and mechanical innovation. In summary: Vertiwedge marks a major shift toward minimally invasive, motion-sparing spine care, a promising alternative to multilevel fusion that maintains spinal flexibility and may reduce long-term complications.
Spine Pitch Panel
During the Saturday sessions of Innovation NetWORK, 14 startups participated in the Spine Pitch Panel, a Shark Tank-style session featuring a panel of industry heavyweights, including: Joshua Johnson (VB Spine), Gregory Banker (Vansana Capital), Paul Slosar, MD (orthopedic surgeon), Zoher Ghogawala, MD (neurosurgeon), Isador Lieberman, MD (orthopedic surgeon), Matthew Smuck, MD (physiatrist), and Zorica Buser, PhD (researcher, Cerapedics).
The Spine Pitch Panel was encouraged to use the following suggested using six criteria when evaluating the products:
- Clinical Impact: Measures how significantly the innovation improves patient outcomes, reduces complications, or enhances recovery.
- Innovation & Originality: Evaluates the novelty of the idea compared to existing solutions and its potential to shift current paradigms.
- Feasibility: Considers the practicality of implementation, cost, and integration into clinical workflows.
- Market Potential & Need: Looks at the size and urgency of the market the innovation addresses.
- Evidence & Validation: Assesses the strength of supporting data, prototypes, or early clinical results
- Team & Execution: Evaluates whether the team possesses the clinical, technical, and business expertise necessary to successfully develop and launch the innovation.
Spine Pitch final results were as follows:
1. VUZE Medical
The mission of VUZE Medical is to create an improved standard of care for guiding millions of spinal interventions performed annually. Despite the challenging anatomy, the vast majority are aided in the OR only by 2D X-ray, mainly due to X-ray's simplicity and affordability. Rising cost pressures encourage a migration to outpatient and ambulatory settings, which further increases the demand for minimally invasive approaches and reliance on X-ray. FDA-cleared, the VUZE™ System is a much-needed, software-based complement to traditional hardware-intensive navigation systems.
Founder/CEO: David Tolkowsky Email: davidt@vuzemedical.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-tolkowsky
2. See All AI
A pioneering company leveraging artificial intelligence, deep learning, and machine vision for intraoperative 3D surgical imaging and navigation. The platform transforms standard 2D C-arm fluoroscopic X-rays into navigable 3D volumes with 1mm cross-sectional slices, eliminating the need for preoperative CTs, MRIs, other scans, or additional intraoperative imaging systems.
https://www.seeall.ai/ CEO: Eric Major Email: Eric.major@seeall.ai
3. Inteligex
Developing proprietary stem cell-based therapies aimed at restoring function in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI), a condition currently without effective treatment. Built on over 20 years of research at the Krembil Brain Institute, their approach targets both acute and chronic SCI. The company aims to bring the first effective regenerative treatment for SCI to market and become a leader in personalized regenerative medicine for central nervous system disorders. Their platform is also being adapted for conditions like cerebral palsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and ALS.
https://inteligexinc.com/ Founder: Michael G. Fehlings MD, PhD, FRCSC, FACS Email: michael.fehlings@uhn.ca
4. CAMP: Calcium Acrylic Modified Polymer
An innovative, biocompatible material engineered for use in spinal surgery. Designed to enhance structural support and facilitate biological integration, CAMP combines the mechanical strength of acrylic polymers with the osteoconductive properties of calcium-based compounds. This unique hybrid formulation allows CAMP to serve as a bone void filler, vertebral augmentation agent, or fixation adjunct in a variety of spinal procedures.
5. Integr8 Porous Pedicle Screw System
Part of Allumin8’s patented Therapeutic Hardware lineup, it’s a surgical implant—specifically used in spinal fusion and other orthopedic procedures—that goes beyond simply stabilizing bones. Its internal porous structure encourages bone in-growth and interface stability, promoting faster and stronger osseointegration. The design actively recruits bone marrow stem cells into the implant zone, enhancing natural healing and potentially reducing infection risks. A8 INTEGR8™ represents a notable shift in implant design by merging mechanical support with biological healing.
https://www.integr8mps.com/ Managing Director & Founder: Adam Worley Email:info@integr8-it.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adam-worley
6. NidusTM
An OnDemand medical expert platform designed to improve patient care by reducing unnecessary surgeries. It connects patients and doctors with real-time global medical expertise, helping them make informed treatment decisions. Nidus™ rapidly transmits and summarizes patient data, improving communication, reducing health care costs, and streamlining insurance preauthorizations for payers.
https://www.nidusai.com/ Founder: Zoher Ghogawala, MD Email: zoher.ghogawala@lahey.org
7. Luminary Health Providers Network
A national network of vetted surgeons and surgical centers focused on delivering high-quality, coordinated care. The network partners with self-insured employers to streamline patient referrals, providing surgeons with consistent case volume and efficient bundled payment processes. The network emphasizes clinical excellence, integrated care coordination, and outcome accountability to improve spine and orthopedic surgery outcomes nationwide.
https://www.luminaryhealthproviders.com/ CEO & Co-Founder: Jeff Larsen
8. BMAXTM
An advanced device that efficiently isolates bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) using a gentle, non-enzymatic process that preserves the cells’ natural environment. These stem cells have the ability to repair and regenerate tissues, making them valuable for treating conditions like osteoarthritis and degenerative spine diseases. BMAX™ offers a rapid, point-of-care solution that improves cell viability and therapeutic potential compared to traditional methods, advancing the effectiveness of stem cell therapies in regenerative medicine.
https://www.bmax.com/ CEO: Kevin Kennedy Shareholder & President: Jeff Donner, MD Email: ejdonner@gmail.com
8. The Scoliosis Support Rod System (SSRS)
Founded by Dr. Richard Nasca, this is a minimally invasive, nonfusion device designed to gradually correct scoliosis while preserving spinal growth and mobility. Using a telescoping rod that adjusts over time, SSRS offers functional correction with less trauma, shorter recovery, and reduced scarring compared to traditional fusion surgery.
https://www.nasca-rd.com/ Founder: Richard Nasca, MD Email: rjnasca@gmail.com
8. TANTO® Pedicle Blade by MIMEO MEDICAL GmbH
Invented by Dr. Frank Heuer, PhD, this cement-free spinal implant mimics the stability of cement-augmented screws. Its unique helical blade design anchors securely in the pedicle, offering strong fixation with reduced surgical risk and improved safety.
https://www.ortho-hub.com/ Founder: Frank Heuer Email: fheuer@mimeo-medical.com
8. Kyphon Assist Directional Cannula by Medtronic
An advanced tool used in balloon kyphoplasty to treat vertebral compression fractures. Unlike traditional straight cannulas, this device allows surgeons to steer the balloon tamp within the vertebra, enabling more precise restoration of height and targeted cement placement. This directional control improves outcomes by reducing cement leakage and enhancing structural support, particularly in complex or asymmetrical fractures. The device has been shown to improve pain relief and physical function more effectively than standard techniques.
Medtronic Kyphon CEO: Geoffrey S. Martha Email: geoff.martha@medtronic.com
8. CemLIF
CemLIF is a minimally invasive lumbar fusion technique that uses bone cement instead of traditional screws and rods to stabilize the spine. By injecting cement through small cannulas around an interbody spacer, CemLIF creates a solid, stable construct that promotes fusion while reducing surgical trauma. This approach offers patients faster recovery, less pain, and fewer hardware-related complications compared to conventional fusion surgery.
https://cemlif.com/ Inventor & Founder: Mark Frenkel, MD Email: frenkelm@gmail.com