BACKGROUND
Patients treated surgically for lower back problems (e.g., degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis) are usually offered one of two stabilizing solutions: Fusion, which prevents motion of the affected segment, or dynamic stabilization of the affected segment to preserve its motion. Pedicle screws are used for attaching these solutions to the spinal column. Failure of the attachment — between the implanted instrumentation and the bone due to excessive motion, pseudoarthrosis or osteoporosis — is a major concern in both fusion and dynamic stabilization. As a result, patients must often undergo additional painful revision surgeries.
TECHNOLOGY
The first product line currently under final preparations for clinical trials is Scorpion’s Interlocking Curved Nail System for spinal stabilization surgeries. This innovative implant and instrumentation system (shown at right) represents a unique concept for anchoring the instrumentation in both spinal dynamic stabilization fusion and fixation procedures.
ADVANTAGES
The Scorpion anchoring platform —
• Reduces the probability that implants will loosen
• Provides better anchoring for osteoporotic bones and
   dynamic implants
• Enhances load distribution
• Presents a less invasive procedure
• Offers precise control on implantation
MARKET SIZE
The global spinal surgeries market exceeded $5.2 billion in 2007 and is growing at 15% annually. In the United States alone, more than 300,000 fusion procedures are performed annually. The posterior dynamic stabilization segment is growing rapidly each year. An increasing number of industry players are developing posterior dynamic stabilization devices. These vendors constantly scout out new anchoring technologies to replace pedicle screws.
TEAM
Yaron Aizenbud, General Manager. 25 years’ management experience in high-tech companies; experienced entrepreneur with very early stage companies; M.Sc., B.Sc. aeronautical engineering; B.Sc., computer engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
Dr. Asaf Ben-Arye, Co-Founder. Since 2006, president and CEO of Cell Kinetics; founder and CEO, Expandis; M.D., MBA, Technion
Yuval Shezifi, D.Sc., Co-Founder. Extensive experience in biomedical and biomechanical engineering, and electrophysiology; former head of biomedical technologies, Carmel Biosensors; CTO, Expandis; D.Sc., agricultural engineering, Technion; M.Sc., life sciences, Tel Aviv University; B.Sc., animal science, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Ilan Grunberg, Co-Founder. Biomechanical specialist in Israeli medical device industry; extensive
experience in design and manufacture of complicated biomedical instrumentation for leading Israeli and international companies
Dr. Nissim Ohana, Co-Founder, Medical Director. Head of Spine Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Tel Aviv; formerly involved in spinal surgery activity, Hospital for Joint Disease of New York University and Soroka Medical Center, Beersheva; lecturer, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
J. Chris McAuliffe, Board Member. Extensive experience in managing medical device companies; director, Paradigm Spine; previous positions, VP sales and marketing, Confluent Surgical and Endius