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!
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Karlsruhe (GER) / Irvine, CA – December 6, 2018 – joimax®, the Germany-based market leader of technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic minimally-invasive spinal surgery, is well positioned for Germany’s principal spine convention, German Spine Society (DWG), taking place December 6 to 8 in Wiesbaden, Germany.
This year, joimax® is focusing on their Endoscopic Tower Generation 4 Devices, an expert solution for spinal surgery. They will showcase the new Camsource® LED, a fully integrated camera and light source system that delivers brilliant images up to 4K; and the Vitegra®, the integrated visualization, documentation and commanding device. This marks the global launch of both devices, including in Europe, Asia, and the United States.
Moreover, joimax® will exhibit its EndoLIF® product line: the well-known 3D-printed EndoLIF® O/On-Cage, the EndoLIF® Delta Cage, and the EndoLIF® Double Wedge Cage (approval expected shortly).
“The main advantage of the EndoLIF® Implants is the gentle and atraumatic access via gradual tissue dilatation — muscles remain intact and infection risk is reduced. Using 3D-printing technology, an open diamond cell structure, and a rough and porous surface, leads to optimal bone ingrowth, stability and finally fusion,” states Wolfgang Ries, Founder and CEO of the joimax® Group. “Even awake, fusion with very fast patient recovery has started to be realized on the base of endoscopic minimally-invasive techniques.”
Additionally, joimax® will show Intracs® em, the first complete electromagnetic navigation system for endoscopic minimally invasive spine surgery. Intracs® is an easy to set up, user-friendly system that can serve as a stand-alone device. It relies on electromagnetic tracking and was designed specifically for simple and safe access to any spinal target. It’s the only device on the market that allows for simultaneous navigation of multiple instruments such as needles, guiding rods, reamers, and endoscopes, also developed by joimax®.
Besides an expanded booth presence with daily Meet-the-Expert Sessions, joimax® will again host two lunch symposiums on endoscopic spinal procedures: one covering endoscopic pain therapy, and the other addressing diverse intracanal surgical treatment modalities, including endoscopic fusion.
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.
“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.
Baltimore, MD – July 14, 2016– The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the proposed rules for the 2017 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and the 2017 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS). Both proposed rules provide information on physician and hospital payment for the newly created CPT code 630X1 for endoscopic decompression of the lumbar spine.
“This is a great step towards the acceptance of endoscopic minimally invasive spine surgery techniques and their benefits to both the surgeon and their patients in the U.S.,” said Wolfgang Ries, Founder and CEO of joimax®. This announcement is in alignment with the reimbursement decision of NICE, UK, in April of 2016, to fully reimburse endoscopic procedures.
A key reason for the recent momentum for endoscopic, minimally invasive spinal surgery is the significant, favorable base of literature, which validates evidence of the efficacy of endoscopic minimally invasive spine surgery. A special edition, “Neurosurgical Focus”, published by the Journal of Neurosurgery (JNS) in February 2016, contains a range of studies on endoscopic spine surgery.
KARLSRUHE, Germany – (BUSINESS WIRE) – German-based joimax®, the market leader in technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic and minimally invasive spinal surgery, is excited to announce the full registration of all its products for India, one of the fastest growing endoscopic spine surgery markets worldwide.
The Indian registration includes all joimax® Class II and III, as well as Class I instruments, which were approved in 2023. Now, the Indian health community has access to all the latest spinal endoscopic technologies invented, developed and manufactured by joimax®.
“Earlier this year, joimax® received its CE MDR approvals, granted by TÜV-South — an important step for marketing our existing products under the new European regulation, which opened a backlog of products to India,” states joimax® Founder and CEO Wolfgang Ries. “We’re already active in more than 60 countries! These partners are eager to launch the newest joimax® treatment technologies.”
In Fall 2022, joimax®, in cooperation with Spectramed Healthcare, launched its education and training program, Endoscopic Spine Academy (ESPINEA®), in India, which has since been rolled out worldwide. ESPINEA® was founded in 2019, accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2020, and this year, is celebrating its 5th anniversary. The program allows for the highest quality training of joimax® products in any market, serving as a hands-on learning facility for endoscopic spinal surgery.
Karlsruhe, GER– March 12, 2019 – Earlier this month, at the international training summit dubbed, Faculty and User Meeting, joimax®, the Germany-based market leader of technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic minimally-invasive spinal surgery, presented its newest products and technologies. During the two-day event, joimax® also honored four surgeons with the Kambin Award and introduced the Endoscopic Spine Academy, ESPINEA® .
The summit took place at the Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) in Salzburg, Austria, March 1-2, 2019 where more than 100 participants attended top-class presentations as well as well a human cadaver lab. The lab was equipped with ten hands-on training stations: six cadaveric stations with 4K image resolution equipment and within those stations, two Intracs® navigation systems where integrated; two stations with Real Spine simulation models; and two stations with the latest EndoTrainer® Plus virtual simulator, which can be used in any lab for training.
The Intracs® em electromagnetic navigation system for endoscopic minimally invasive spine surgery in lumbar and thoracic applications is very easy to set up, extremely user-friendly, and ready to serve as a stand-alone device. Specifically designed for simple and safe access to any spinal target, the system relies on electromagnetic tracking and allows for simultaneous navigation of multiple instruments such as needles, guiding rods, reamers, and endoscopes, also developed by joimax®.
Dr. Erik Traupe (Germering, GER) stated: “I am really surprised how precise and easy navigation can be.”
After multiple successful introductions in 2018, Intracs® em is available globally, except in the United States, where FDA submission is planned in spring 2019.
Another trendsetting innovation presented at the summit: the joimax® TESSYS® Thx, a derivative of the well-known TESSYS®. Designed for a comfortable and safe treatment of decompressions in the thoracic region, it combines a special endoscope for thoracic applications, a viewing angle with 45° adapted to a steeper access route, a reduced diameter and a big working channel.
Jun Seok Bae, MD of the Wooridul Spine Hospital Group in South Korea is very excited about the advantages: “… just great, I want it a.s.a.p. and am ready in my hospital for daily usage!”
Moreover, joimax® showcased its EndoLIF® product line: the well-known 3D-printed EndoLIF® O/On-Cage, the EndoLIF® Delta Cage, and the latest EndoLIF® Double Wedge Cage, where approval is expected shortly.
Both Dr. Ralf Wagner (Frankfurt, GER) and Dr. Paul Houle (Cape Cod, MA, USA) are convinced of this solution for spinal fusion: “With the gentle and atraumatic access via gradual tissue dilatation, muscles remain intact and infection risk is reduced. Using 3D-printing technology, an open diamond cell structure, and a rough and porous surface, the implant ensures optimal bone ingrowth, stability and finally fusion.”
During the summit, the Parviz Kambin-Award was presented under the patronage of the PMU, ESPINEA and joimax® in recognition and honor of outstanding scientific and educational dedication to transforaminal surgery to Christoph P. Hofstetter (Seattle, WA, USA), Jian Shen (Amsterdam, NY, USA), Albert Telfeian (Providence, RI, USA) and Dinh Ngoc Son (Hanoi, Vietnam).
“I am thrilled about the Kambin Award, the most prestigious award in endoscopic spine surgery,” said Jian Shen.
Additionally, joimax® announced the recently founded and globally acting Endoscopic Spine Academy (ESPINEA). Backed by a scientific advisory board, ESPINEA offers professional and high-quality educational programs, specialty workshops and courses, and an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences. The goal of the academy is to elevate surgeons to the next level of expertise in endoscopic spinal treatment modalities.
The first two ESPINEA® Board Members are Dr. Menno Iprenburg, NL, longstanding endoscopic surgeon and twice Kambin Award recipient, and Kambin Award recipient Prof. Alastair Gibson, UK, whose been performing endoscopic spine surgery since 2005, using almost all system applications.
IRVINE, CA – joimax®, the German-based market leader in technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic and minimally invasive spinal surgery, is pleased to announce that Intracs® em, its electromagnetic navigation tracking and control system, has been approved by the FDA.
The Intracs® em Navigation System allows for spinal procedures to be carried out with minimal X-ray control, drastically reducing radiation exposure, access time, and the entire length of the surgical procedure. In fact, all joimax® instruments and scopes can be tracked and accurately navigated through the appropriate sensors, which improves safety, expands endoscopic indications, and flattens the learning curve.
Intracs®em is a multiyear development. Its first cadaveric trials were made with a group of surgeons at the ESPINEA® Labs in Karlsruhe, Germany and Irvine, CA.
According to Prof. Dr. med. Michael Kraus of ORTHIX Zentrum in Augsburg, Germany, who headed the preliminary trials: “Using Intracs® em Navigation System in the full endoscopic spine surgery is safe and easily applicable. The technology helps master precise access to the spine, and the clinical trials have confirmed the technique’s multiple advantages.”
Prof. Dr. Chris Hofstetter of UW Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, USA, adds: “joimax® Intracs®em constitutes a highly precise image-guided navigation platform designed for the specific needs of full-endoscopic spine surgery. Using electromagnetic navigation technology allows to track the leading edge of endoscopic instruments in real time, and facilitates needle targeting and orientation during the surgery, while minimizing radiation exposure. No doubt, this technology will expand the indications for full-endoscopic spine surgery and pave the way for innovations in minimally invasive arthrodesis techniques.”
joimax® is also excited to announce its second joint Global Symposium being held in partnership with Integrity Implants, Inc., August 21 – 22. For details, visit www.joimax.com.
Karlsruhe, Germany – June 9, 2016 – joimax®, the global developer and marketer of technologies and treatment methods for minimally invasive endoscopic spinal surgery, recently hosted an educational symposium and exhibit during the 5th World Congress of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery & Techniques (WCMISST), held June 1-4, in Jeju Island, Korea. The World Congress, which takes place every two years, is attended by more than 500 physicians and is recognized as one of the most important congresses for minimally invasive spine surgery.
Additionally, joimax® hosted an educational symposium for spine surgeons from across the globe. ”About 200 attendees gathered to learn about the techniques of endoscopic minimally invasive spine surgery and the benefits of these techniques to both the surgeon and their patients,” said Wolfgang Ries, founder and CEO of joimax®. During the Congress’ Gala Dinner, joimax® had the honour of presenting the Parviz Kambin Award to Dr. Guntram Krzok and Dr. Ralf Wagner, both from Germany, for their excellence in endoscopic spinal surgery. The Parviz Kambin Award is presented to pioneers in the field of endoscopic minimally invasive spine surgery. Nominees are selected by SMISS, WCMISST and joimax®.
Dr. Guntram Krzok, owner of a private practice in Friedrichsroda, Germany, has performed more than 3,000 endoscopic and transforaminal surgeries since 1999 and has provided training at 100 workshops. He was the first surgeon to introduce the TESSYS® technique in China and routinely publishes about his growing experience in the field.
Since 2007, Dr. Ralf Wagner, from the Ligamenta Spine Center in Frankfurt, has performed nearly 2,700 endoscopic surgeries with transforaminal, interlaminar and cervical systems, as well as endoscopic assisted stabilization with the joimax® EndoLIF® technique. He, too, has provided training at nearly 100 workshops, is an active speaker at international congresses and has published numerous scientific articles.
The Kambin Award, named after Dr. Parviz Kambin, was originally presented to Dr. Kambin (Philadelphia, PA) by the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS) and joimax® at meeting held in April of 2011 in Denver, CO. Previous award recipients include: Dr. Michael Schubert (Munich, Germany), Dr. Menno Iprenburg (Veenhuizen, the Netherlands), Dr. Anthony Yeung (Phoenix, AZ), Dr. Florian Maria Alfen (Würzburg, Germany), Dr. Daniel Laich (Chicago, IL), Dr. Gabriele Jasper (Brick, NJ), Dr. Albert Telfeian (Providence, RI) and Dr. Sang-Ho Lee (Seoul, Korea).
KARLSRUHE, Germany – (BUSINESS WIRE) – German-based joimax®, the market leader in technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic and minimally invasive spinal surgery, announces the launch of its new website alongside a significant presence at the Global Spine Congress (GSC) in Bangkok, May 15 – 18. This dual celebration marks a pivotal moment for the company as it showcases its latest product innovations and commemorates two decades of excellence with TESSYS®, a pioneering technique that has revolutionized endoscopic spine surgery.
At GSC, joimax® is not only celebrating 20 years of TESSYS®, but also exhibiting an array of product innovations, such as TESSYS® Trans SAP with the newest Double Drill, ilESSYS® Biportal, the RoboFIX® robotorized Arm, and the Camsource® Duo, which further enhances surgical precision and visualization, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
“We are immensely proud of the impact TESSYS® has had on the field of endoscopic spine surgery,” stated joimax® CEO and President Wolfgang Ries. “joimax® has pioneered the transforaminal approach, building upon and enhancing Parviz Kambin’s original concept, influencing our path to endoscopic fusion. Our commitment to excellence remains unwavering as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in minimally invasive spine surgery.”
Feedback from surgeons has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing enthusiasm for joimax®‘s “fireworks of innovations”. Dr. Frank Hassel, Chief Physician Spinal Surgery and Medical Director, Loretto Krankenhaus Freiburg, Germany; Prof. Junseok Bae, President, Wooridul Spine Hospital, Seoul, South Korea; and Prof. Christoph P. Hoftstetter, Professor of Neurological Surgery, Cape Cod Healthcare, Hyannis, USA issued this group statement: “These advancements are game-changers in endoscopic spine surgery, especially the transforaminal approach and will undoubtedly revolutionize how to tackle complex spinal procedures.”
Also at GSC, joimax® is hosting expert talks, and leading basic and advanced workshops. From groundbreaking technologies to intuitive surgical tools, joimax® continues to lead the way in providing surgeons with the necessary resources to address a wide-range of spinal issues. To learn more about joimax®‘s innovations, visit www.joimax.com or stop by the joimax® GSC booths 2 and 3.
Karlsruhe, GER– April 18, 2019 – joimax®, the Germany-based market leader of technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic, minimally-invasive spinal surgery, is presenting its complete product portfolio at the 48th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research (JSSR). The annual meeting is currently underway running April 18-20, 2019 in Yokohama, Japan.
Earlier this year, joimax® announced its partnership with United Biomech Japan, Inc., who is overseeing distribution of the complete joimax® product line throughout Japan. Approval of the Pharmaceutical Medicals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) is expected within the next couple of months.
“The Japanese market is characterized by a strong demand for innovative products on endoscopic spinal surgery,” explained United Biomech Japan, Inc. Executive Kazuya Oribe. “The interest at our booth is overwhelming. There are approximately one thousand Japanese surgeons that are now already interested in doing endoscopic spinal surgery.”
“The patients’ demand for gentle surgery methods that result in a very quick recovery, is continuously increasing,” said joimax® Group Founder and CEO Wolfgang Ries. “Our entrance into the Japanese market is another milestone in expanding our global presence to offer superior medical products. Coupled with an outstanding, international training and education program, we’ve positioned ourselves for long-term growth.”
