Author: Antonio Berlen

TESSYS® pioneers receive the Parviz Kambin Honorary Award

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Karlsruhe – At a ceremony in Paris two TESSYS® pioneers received the Parviz Kambin Honorary Award: Dr. Florian Maria Alfen from Würzburg, Germany, who in 2003 acquired the first TESSYS® complete system and has successfully performed more than 2,500 procedures. As a member of the joimax® Faculty, Dr. Alfen has trained many doctors. The second award winner is Dr. Daniel Laich from Chicago, U.S.A. He is the first TESSYS® user in the United States and has been a Faculty member since 2009, as well as a scientific adviser for the company with his extensive experience of TESSYS®.

Since 2004 more than 100,000 patients in 30 countries (up to August 2014) have undergone surgery with the TESSYS® method and its later developments. The latest studies reveal a shorter recovery time, a quicker return to work and normal quality of life, and an associated reduction in the impact on welfare systems.

joimax® elevates its presence across Europe and Asia

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Irvine, CA – June 7, 2017 – Over the last few weeks, joimax® participated in numerous scientific meetings, held across Europe and Asia. During these meetings, the German-based company reiterated its position as market leader for endoscopic minimally invasive spine surgery.

Starting in early May, joimax® exhibited at this years’ Global Spine Congress (GSC) in Milan, Italy, including a Meet-the-Expert Session at its booth and at the Intermediate Meeting of the World Congress of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Techniques (WCMISST) in Paris, France. Numerous joimax® faculty members presented the latest results in endoscopic spine surgery.

joimax presence at GSC 2017

From May 11 to 14, joimax® participated in the 10th Conference of the Chinese Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, held in cooperation with the North American Spine Society (CAOS/NASS) in Guangzhou, China. The conference was combined with a highly attended workshop on principles and techniques of complex spine surgery. This session was video transmitted to 20,000 hubs.

During the annual meeting of the German Society of Neurosurgery (DGNC) in Magdeburg, Germany, from May 14 to 17, joimax® exhibited its complete product range. The lunch symposium, covering the treatment options in endoscopic decompression and pain therapy, was presented by the well-recognized joimax® faculty members Drs. Erik Traupe, Guntram Krzok and Ralf Wagner.

From May 18 to 20, joimax® participated in the first International Spine Conference at the KCM clinic in Jelenia Gora, Poland, highlighting the achievements of modern endoscopic minimally invasive spine surgery. In live surgeries various endoscopic techniques in cervical and lumbar cases were performed. The session was coupled with a simultaneous discussion between surgeons and participants.

“The International Spine Conference in Poland marks the successful kick-off for the cooperation with our new partner to start extensive market activities in this country”, says Wolfgang Ries, Founder and CEO of joimax®. “Both, training and education, which also started in Poland, now are the key to success to further deepen the endoscopic knowledge of spine surgeons.”

In early June, the annual meeting of the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine (ISSLS) took place in Athens, Greece, followed by the annual congress of the French Society of Spinal Surgery (Societé Francaise de Chirurgie Rachidienne, SFCR) in Lille, France. Both meetings attracted many spine specialists and generated good traffic at the joimax® booths.

Since its inception, joimax® participates in the European Course for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery (EUCMISS, http://www.eucmiss.com). This years’ 5th Course in Madrid, Spain, was held on June 1 and 2. It was a special course of globally leading experts in minimally invasive spine, exchanging the practical and scientific experience in presentation and multidisciplinary cadaver courses.

joimax® will continue its activities by exhibiting at the NSpine Main Conference in London, UK, from June 12 to 15 and then they head back to Asia to attend the 6th Asian Conference of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Techniques (ACMISST) in Bangkok, Thailand between June 29 and July 2 with a faculty presentation and a booth presence.

joimax® CEO & Founder talking to Global Spine Conference Chairman Jeffery Wang, MD, PhD in an 1:1 interview

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Paris, France | November 2021 – During this years Global Spine Congress (GSC) joimax® CEO & Founder, Wolfgang Ries, sat down with GSC Chairman, Jeffery Wang, MD, PhD, to talk about the 20 years success of the company, education with the ESPINEA® Endoscopic Spine Academy and the future of endoscopic spine surgery!

Watch more interesting videos on our YouTube Channel!

joimax® successfully carries out 5th International Live Surgery Workshop in cooperation with APEX Spine Center

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

joimax® hosts another international endoscopy workshop focussed on spine surgery supported by renowned spine specialists

Karlsruhe, 15 October 2010 – On 14 and 15 October the Klinikum Starnberg, Munich, as well as the anatomy of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany, were the site of a two-day joimax® workshop focussed on the endoscopic resection of herniated discs performed by the TESSYS® method. Highlight of this international workshop were two live surgeries observed by 21 participating orthopaedic surgeons as well as neurosurgeons in the adjacent conference room of the Starnberg Residence.

Dr. med. Michael Schubert of the Munich APEX SPINE Center operated on two patients, explained every single step of the surgery and answered the auditorium’s questions. Several workshop participants were able to watch the surgery directly in the operating room. The live surgeries were preceded by an intensive cadaver training in the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich. Participants came from Germany, Austria, Italy, England, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. Renowned faculties like Dr. Florian Maria Alfen, Dr. Guntram Krzok, Dr. Carl-Hans Fürstenberg, Dr. Wolfgang Kreil as well as Dr. Manuel Panne, anaesthesiologist in Munich, contributed to a successful event.

The Bayerische Rundfunk TV station was live onsite on 14 October and aired the report titled “Schnelle Hilfe dank Endoskopie” (“Fast relieve through endoscopy”) the very same evening at best broadcasting time.

joimax® workshops continue to proof as highly efficient and successful in the education of surgeons worldwide

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

As the second step of the joimax® CM3 Education Program, surgeons are trained on joimax® methods during hands-on cadaver workshops taking place throughout the year in different locations and countries. The typical workshop agenda includes theoretical sessions with expert lectures from joimax® Faculty members as well as practical sessions on human cadavers. The feedback joimax® receives from the trained doctors after each workshop and the increasing number of workshop registrants speak for themselves. “When we analyze the feedback forms after each course we find that participants highly value the hands-on time which also allows them to discuss with the instructors as well as the opportunity to share experience with surgeons that are new to endoscopy.” says Monika Gensert, Senior Product and Education Manager at joimax®.

From January to May 2015, joimax® organized and conducted four workshops in Germany and Austria and another four workshops in the US. In Europe alone joimax® trained 60 surgeons from various countries and disciplines. Surgeons can chose between basic and advanced courses which differ in the complexity of the techniques taught, i.e. the EndoLIF®, iLESSYS® stenosis and CESSYS® approach is only trained in advanced workshops. Additionally, joimax® technologies were part of 4 DWG (German Spine Society) Modules for Board Certification of spine surgeons.
At the US workshops, whose attendees exclusively come from the US and Mexico, another 43 surgeons were instructed on TESSYS®, Multiuse, iLESSYS®, Percusys® and EndoLIF®. “The workshop was excellent, with lots of great input from the joimax® team, as well as from the faculty surgeons.” stated a US-workshop attendee.

Your next opportunity to join one of our workshops will be in Mainz, Germany on June 19-20 and in Dallas, Texas, US on July 18. For more workshop dates click here.

 

US workshop with joimax® Faculty Dr. Daniel Laich, Irvine, CA, US, March 2015

joimax® Announces New Distribution Partners in Brazil and Japan and Expands International Market Presence as Part of Growth Strategy

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Karlsruhe, GER– February 8, 2019 – joimax®, the Germany-based market leader of technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic minimally-invasive spinal surgery, is pleased to announce its expanded international market presence with new distribution partners in Brazil and Japan.
In Brazil, joimax® is partnering with the privately-owned CT Group, which offers more than 20 years experience in the medical technology market. CT Group delivers a unique strategy and approach in the Brazilian market, focusing on the spine segment. The group is composed of 5 affiliated companies that provide innovative and high standard medical devices and equipment throughout the country.

“We are very happy to represent joimax® and its complete endoscopic product portfolio in Brazil,” states Volnei Luiz Ortigara, Chairman of the Brazilian CT Group. “Together, we will ensure an outstanding market presence”.

Currently, there are 50 potential providers in Brazil who have been trained on the joimax® methods and will be able to start offering joimax® endoscopic procedures this spring. In Japan, joimax® is partnering with United Biomech Japan, Inc., who will oversee distribution of the complete joimax® product line countrywide. The official market launch will take place at the 48th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research (JSSR), April 18 – 20, 2019 in Yokohama, Japan. The agreement coincides with the Japan-EU Free Trade Agreement (JEFTA) which came into effect February 1, 2019.
“This is the first time joimax® will be involved with the Japanese market,” states Wolfgang Ries, Founder and CEO of the joimax® Group. “We are excited to extend our global reach and offer superior medical products and training internationally.”

The presence in these two major markets is part of the overall growth strategy for joimax® further positioning the company as a leader in the spine industry.

 

Champions of Health Interview with
Mr. Wolfgang Ries – CEO and Founder of joimax®

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Champions of Health: Spotlight On Leaders Shaping Germany’s Healthcare

We are delighted to inform that an interview with the CEO and Founder of joimax®, Mr. Wolfgang Ries, has been published in the Champions of Health magazine.

The Interview

In this insightful interview, Mr. Ries shares the inspiring story behind the founding of joimax® and provides an in-depth look at our cutting-edge products and innovations that are shaping the future of minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery. 

© www.eurohealthleaders.com

I believe in fostering a culture of collaboration and teamwork as well as empowerment within the organization. By encouraging open communication and valueing diverse perspectives, I ensure that decisions are well-informed and reflective of the collective wisdom of the team.

Mr. Wolfgang Ries
CEO and Founder of joimax® 

This publication serves as an opportunity to showcase the dedication of joimax® to advancing endoscopic minimally invasive spine spine surgery technology and improving patient care.

joimax® at the early summer congresses: SpineWeek Amsterdam and DGNC Leipzig

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Karlsruhe, May 28th 2012. After the very successful Britspine at the beginning of May in Newcastle in the UK the slogan is now “joimax® goes oranje“ – up, up and away to the SpineWeek in Amsterdam (May 28th to June 1st 2012). This conference is held by the leading international scientific societies in the field of spinal diseases. Up to 3000 participants from all over the world are expected and it is hence the biggest conference of this kind in Europe.

Under the motto “Sharing today’s ideas, shaping tomorrow’s practice” joimax® invites all its distribution partners to a meeting. Central topic will be joimax®’s new products and a special focus will be laid on the Deflector Blades for Shrill® – the Shaver-Drill-System which is indispensible in stenosis treatment. During this meeting Dr. Menno Iprenburg, long standing joimax® faculty member, will hold a presentation on his own success story. In spring 2010 he had opened his “Ruegkliniek” in Veenhuizen in the Netherlands with an exclusive specialization on endoscopic spine surgery with the joimax® systems. Right from the start the clinic was very popular. After a consumer program on Dutch TV, where the advantages of the surgery method and very satisfied patients were presented, the staff of Dr. Iprenburg virtually can’t handle the huge demand for appointments for surgery. A really striking success story in medicine!

“joimax® goes Leipzig” – at the 63rd annual conference of the DGNC (German Society for Neurosurgery) in Leipzig, Germany (June 13th to 16th, 2012), joimax® will focus on the newest technologies in pain therapy with the Multiuse Set for endoscopic facet joint denervation. Dr. Bernd Illerhaus from Recklinghausen, Germany will talk about his experience with this system during the joimax® Lunch Symposium on June 14th, 2012. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sandro Eustacchio from the University Clinic for Neurosurgery in Graz, Austria will report on the application of TESSYS® and iLESSYS® – the transforaminal and interlaminar access systems of joimax® for the treatment of lumbar herniated discs and spinal canal stenosis.

Of special interest is the fact that the Japanese sister society to the DGNC joins in the meeting this year. Hence, there will be ample opportunity to make important contacts and set further mile stones for the upcoming entry of the Japanese market. In the meantime – thanks to very active partners – business in China and South Korea is steadily increasing – “joimax® goes Asia”.

JOIMAX® ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF FIRST ENDOSCOPIC AMA CPT CODE Company also releases newly designed joimax® homepage

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Irvine, CA – September 26, 2016 – The AMA (American Medical Association) released the CPT 2017 Codebook (Current Procedural Terminology), now containing the first endoscopic spinal surgery code no. 62380. This new code covers endoscopic decompression of the spinal cord, nerve root(s), including laminotomy, partial facetectomy, foraminotomy, discectomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc, 1 interspace, lumbar, and will be enforced as of January 1st, 2017. Under this code the specific transforaminal (TESSYS®) and/or interlaminar (iLESSYS®) procedures are fully covered in the USA herewith, which are already marketed by joimax® in 45 countries.

“The definition of this new code in the CPT codebook 2017 is a major milestone towards the acceptance of endoscopic minimally invasive spine surgery techniques and its benefits to both the surgeon and their patients,” states Wolfgang Ries, Founder and CEO of joimax®. Since 2012 joimax®  had been driving this effort to obtain CPT codes as these procedures required submission to payors for reimbursement coverage which was granted only in single cases under temporary codes, so-called T-codes.

“joimax® has been instrumental in driving the effort to obtain full code coverage of endoscopic spinal surgery,” says Daniel Laich, DO, Swedish Convenant Hospital, Chicago, who had been participating and presenting in almost every AMA meeting over the last five years. Due to the high research and publication activities by key users like Albert Telfeian, MD, PhD, at Rhode Island Hospital at Brown University, and a group of users around him, strong evidence has been accepted by AMA authorities, justifying the release of this new CPT code.

Many papers and publications on joimax® products can now be downloaded from the newly released joimax® homepage. The completely redesigned website offers visitors richer insight into the company’s innovative products and systems. A quick and easy access to essential information and features is available, including the latest workshop and education activities, which are essential in endoscopic minimally-invasive spinal surgery.

Meanwhile joimax® offers basic and advanced workshop training courses mainly in the USA, Germany and Austria, and oversees a participation population of almost 3,000 physicians. Independent training courses are also performed in China and Korea to support the fast growing Asian markets. Detailed information about those courses are updated regularly at www.joimax.com.

The website uses the latest technology so the site is compatible with today’s browsers and mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Visitors can also use the new website to stay informed with the latest company news. The new website goes live today and is located at the same address: https://www.joimax.com.

joimax® Expands Presence in Australia

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Karlsruhe (GER) – joimax®, the German-based market leader in technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic and minimally invasive spinal surgery, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Australian medical device distributor, LifeHealthcare. The two companies have entered into a long-term relationship to provide a broader surgical choice for patients considering spinal surgery.

joimax® Expands Presence in Australia

“We’re looking forward to working with a partner as strong as LifeHealthcare,” says joimax® Founder and CEO Wolfgang Ries. “LifeHealthcare shares our goals and vision, ensuring that we are able to deliver the highest standards of patient care.”

Endoscopic spine surgery has been steadily growing in popularity since the late 1990’s with exponential growth in the technique for the past ten years. Surgeons throughout the world have reported that this type of surgery can assist patients in faster recovery, enabling them to reduce their post-operative stay.

“We’re very pleased to collaborate with joimax®,” comments LifeHealthcare Chief Executive Officer Matt Muscio. “Endoscopic spine surgery is a technique that enables patients to have access to truly minimally invasive surgical procedures of the spine.”

Thus, joimax® strengthens its sales activities in Australia and enters into another important partnership across APAC.

About LifeHealthcare

LifeHealthcare is a leading independent provider of healthcare solutions in Australia and New Zealand bringing healthcare professionals innovative medical devices by partnering with world class companies who share the vision of innovation and making a real difference to people’s lives. LifeHealthcare has been recognised as one of the Financial Times 1,000 High Growth Companies in Asia-Pacific. In May 2018, LifeHealthcare was acquired by Australia’s largest private equity fund, Pacific Equity Partners, a market leader that has been recognised as a Top 20 Consistent Performer Globally by Prequin. For further information, please visit www.lifehealthcare.com.au.