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joimax® Launches New iLESSYS® Biportal Interlaminar Endoscopic Surgical System

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

KARLSRUHE, Germany – (BUSINESS WIRE) – joimax®, the German-based market leader in technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic and minimally invasive spinal surgery, launched its new iLESSYS® Biportal Interlaminar Endoscopic Surgical System for the treatment of spinal disorders at the EUROSPINE 2023 Annual Meeting in Frankfurt and at the SMISS Annual Forum (Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery) in Las Vegas, marking its global debut. This week, it will be presented at the NASS meeting (North American Spine Society) in Los Angeles.

The new instrument set, iLESSYS® Biportal for unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE), expands the wide range of joimax® endoscopic offerings by separating the instrument working port from the endoscope, allowing for free relative movement between the two. The iLESSYS® Biportal offers all instruments tailor-made for biportal spinal endoscopy, with:

  • A special Triangulation Tool to simplify the access triangulation of two ports
  • Biportal specific working tubes with inbuilt irrigation outflow control for precise water management
  • Larger, more powerful tools for effective tissue ablation and resection

“This system is excellent and will allow me to perform the surgeries not only biportally but also bimanually,” stated Javier Quillo-Olvera, M.D., spinal neurosurgeon and an expert in biportal surgery at the Brain and Spine Care Group, Querétaro, Mexico. “It allows me to use the iLESSYS® Pro working channel endoscope. I’m excited to use it with my patients.”

EUROSPINE attendees were impressed that this comprehensive system could be used as a biportal system and available for bimanual surgical procedures. Moreover, the iLESSYS® played a key role during the expert talks, spurring debate about when to use the transforaminal (TESSYS®) and when to use the interlaminar (iLESSYS®) approach for a given spinal disease.

“The system will be part of the ESPINEA® training and education program and will be fully implemented in the workshop courses by the end of the year,” commented Wolfgang Ries, CEO and founder of the joimax® group. “We´ve already lined up a range of surgical faculty in Europe (Dr. Ralf Wagner, Dr. Maxime Challali, Dr. Raed Abohussein, Dr. Miguel Loureiro), in the Americas (Dr. Peter Derman, Dr. Meng Huang, Dr. Javier Quillo-Olvera) and in Asia (Prof. Si-Young Park, Dr. Junseok Bae) among others in each of these regions, with many more to follow.”

joimax® announces 510(k) clearance for its Endovapor® 2 Multi Radio Frequency System with its first presentation at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) 2017, in Los Angeles

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Irvine, CA – April 26, 2017 – joimax®, the German based market leader of technologies and training methods for endoscopic minimally invasive spinal surgery, today announced it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its Endovapor® 2 Multi Radio Frequency System.

The patented device generates electrical power for monopolar and bipolar cutting and coagulation of tissue structures in surgical operations. The joimax® Endovapor® 2 is an all-in-one generator with specially integrated programs for spinal surgery with interdisciplinary application. The device is equipped with two monopolar and two bipolar sockets and an easy and intuitive touchpad technology. With arc control for safe application and easy neutral electrode monitoring, it combines a variety of different electro-surgical modes and effects.

“After receiving the FDA clearance for the joimax® Vaporflex® and Legato® electrosurgical probes in early  November 2016, this is another milestone in strengthening the joimax® position as an expert in endoscopic minimally invasive spine surgery,” states Wolfgang Ries, Founder and CEO of joimax®.

During the AANS, joimax®  participated in the CME endoscopic cadaveric workshop with two stations and held a very successful US-expert meeting including topics such as training procedures, clinical Research and future technologies.

joimax RF Generator Endovapor 2

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.

 

Groupphoto PR 2019 Japan Brazil

joimax® Expands Distribution in Italy – Announces New Partnership with Uber Ros S.p.A

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

KARLSRUHE, Germany – (BUSINESS WIRE) – German-based joimax®, the market leader in technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic and minimally invasive spinal surgery, and distributor Uber Ros S.p.A are excited to announce their new partnership for the Italian market, effective immediately.

Under this strategic alliance, Uber Ros will be a full sales and service provider of joimax® products to surgeons and medical practitioners throughout Italy. The partnership allows both companies to expand the renowned joimax® brand via first-rate networks and distribution channels to the Italian health community, ensuring that patients have access to the latest spinal endoscopic technologies.

“We’re looking forward to working with Uber Ros, a strong and well-established partner in Italy,” says joimax® Founder and CEO Wolfgang Ries.<
“Together, we will continue to provide best-in-class service and grow our presence in the Italian spine community while creating a solid business growth strategy,” states Uber Ros President and COO Giorgio Rosati.

In addition, the acclaimed joimax® training and education program for spine physicians, managed under ESPINEA®, the Endoscopic Spine Academy powered by joimax®, will be introduced in Italy. “Uber Ros and joimax® will align all education activities and set-up special workshop programs that offer certified courses to Italian physicians,” says ESPINEA® Chairman Wolfgang Ries.

About Uber Ros S.p.A

Uber Ros S.p.A was founded in Rome in 1986 by Dr. Umberto Rosati and his son Giorgio. It is a Medical Devices Distribution Company active in all Italian territories. Uber Ros promotes and sells high-tech medical devices, mainly specialized in Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery, Neurosurgery, Spine, Maxillo-Facial, Head and Neck surgery (ENT-OTO), Wound Care and Vascular surgery. Uber Ros has a sales organization spread throughout Italy, providing customer service 24 hours on any day of the year. The Company collaborates with the world leading Research Centers, and is involved in the most advanced studies on bioengineering, promoting and supporting scientific research in high-tech emerging fields.

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® Hosts International Training Summit to Showcase Innovative Technologies Presents Kambin Award; Introduces Endoscopic Spine Academy

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

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.

PR Facuty and user meeting in Salzburg 2019

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.

Expansion of training offerings with technology from Corin and joimax®at the ORSI ACADEMY

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Melle, Belgium –(ORSI ACADEMY)- Orsi Academy, the unique training & expertise centre for robotic and minimally invasive surgery in Melle, is once more enhancing its training facilities. With the support of the European Regional Development Fund, made available by VLAIO, it invested in revolutionizing robotic technology from Corin and latest navigation systems from joimax®. This equipment allows Orsi Academy to further expand its offer in clinical disciplines such as navigated spinal surgery, neurosurgery and orthopaedic surgery, particularly in knee and hip replacements. With the investment, Orsi Academy continues to contribute to improve and increase the quality and safety of our modern healthcare system.

“With the investment, Orsi continues to improve and increase the quality and safety of our modern healthcare system.”

Corin’s revolutional orthopaedic OMNIBotics System is designed to enhance precision to the balancing and implantation of knee replacements. This partnership will undoubtedly elevate the standards in training in orthopaedic surgical procedures.

Simultaneously, through a partnership with joimax®, Orsi Academy aims to pioneer advancements in spinal surgery. joimax®’s Intracs System is a smart navigation system based on electromagnetic tracking ensuring an easy and safe access to any spinal target.

The grant from the European Regional Development Fund plays a crucial role in financing the acquisition of these technologies, marking a significant milestone for Orsi Academy. This partnership not only integrates two remarkable platforms into its robotic family but also expands the training offerings, providing healthcare professionals with hands-on experience in the latest minimally invasive techniques.

Giovanni Tegami, Managing Director Corin Belgium

“Corin is honored to collaborate with Orsi Academy in advancing orthopaedic surgery training. Our robotic technology aims to enhance outcomes by restoring proper soft tissue balance and leg alignment, crucial factors in knee replacement success. Through this partnership, we’re eager to contribute to elevating standards in orthopaedic surgical procedures.”

Wolfgang Ries, Founder and CEO of the joimax® Group

“Being able to offer the Intracs® EM navigation system at any course held at the Orsi Academy for training and research needs is huge. It allows participants to directly experience the ease of use in endoscopic spine surgery and learn the difference of non-navigated and fully navigated procedures significantly driving the accelerating adoption rate of endoscopy in spine, which sees very fast growing high level literature on new applications, but also on major patient and surgeon benefits!”

Prof. Dr. Thomas Luyckx, Medical Leadership Orthopaedics Orsi Academy

“We are excited about the possibilities and advancements this collaboration will bring. This grant and collaboration reaffirms our dedication to pushing the boundaries of orthopaedic medical education.”

joimax® , Inc. opens its first Education & Training Center in Irvine, California, posts record sales in the US and continues to make gains with endoscopic reimbursement

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

IRVINE, CA – August, 31, 2017– joimax® announces the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art Training and Education Center in Irvine, California. The company will be holding its first workshop at the Center on September 8-9th.

As the market leader in endoscopic spine surgery, joimax® is fully dedicated to outstanding physician education, training and services worldwide. Due to the newly released US CPT reimbursement code, valid since January 1st, 2017, the demand for joimax® endoscopic procedures are growing monthly in the USA among patients as well as the physician community. This fast growing demand creates major needs which joimax®, Inc. is addressing with fast expansion of its US organization.

“This new wet lab facility provides a major base for supporting our fast growing education needs for both our new sales and clinical associates, but moreover it’s a place for physicians to be trained,” states Bob Wolownik, National Director of Sales for joimax® Inc.

Joimax Training and Education Center Irvine
joimax® Inc. Training and Education Center

joimax® also announced that they are taking the lead in supporting this years’ workshops and educational sessions at:

SMISS Sept 14-16, 2017 – Las Vegas, NV – Sole Supporter of the Endoscopic Lab Session

ISASS Sept 22-23, 2017 – Long Beach, CA – Endoscopic Lab Supporter

NASS Oct. 25-28, 2017 – Orlando, FL – Endoscopic Spine Surgery Session Sponsor and Endoscopic Lab Supporter

joimax®  has also made significant strides in reimbursement support for endoscopic spine procedures via a new external coding support hotline that it manages along with a payor correspondence package. joimax® Inc.’s Vice President of Operations & Reimbursement, Brian Schneider, recently stated “We have seen a significant rise in interest from both payors and physicians asking to receive information and streamline communication regarding the new endoscopic spine code.”

“As we received a first CPT reimbursement code for endoscopic spine surgery earlier this year and now invest wisely for future growth, joimax® will continue to write a major success story in the US, similar to what it has accomplished in Europe and Asia, “ states Maximilian Ries, General Manager for joimax®, Inc. He announced that the company is continuing to post record sales by nearly doubling its year to date US revenues, which is in line with the companies’ budget plan.

Overall joimax® is very pleased with the great strides achieved in the US market and sees continued sustainable growth globally. “All this is an important step towards the full acceptance of endoscopic minimally invasive spine surgery techniques and their benefits to both the physician and their patients in the US now as well,” echoes Wolfgang Ries, Founder and CEO of joimax®.

The company’s European and Asian sales also show record numbers. Earlier this year, joimax® also received multiple new product registrations in Asia and recently in Brazil to fully access this new market.

joimax® Wins 2019 Spine Technology Award for its Integrated Navigation Tracking & Control System, Intracs®em and Exhibits at NASS

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Irvine, CA – joimax®, a leading developer and marketer of complete systems for endoscopic minimally invasive spinal surgery, is pleased to announce they’ve won a 2019 Orthopedics this Week Spine Technology Award for their new Integrated Navigation Tracking & Control System, Intracs®em. joimax® will be recognized with the award during the annual North American Spine Society Meeting (NASS), taking place September 25-28 in Chicago.

joimax® is heavily involved in this year’s NASS program. On Wednesday, September 25, they will host three stations at the new, hands-on, full-day course, NASS/Neurospine Endoscopic Spinal Surgery Symposium and Cadaver Workshop, co-sponsored by KOMISS. Moreover, joimax® will present the latest technologies at their booth, No. 3416, including Intracs®em, the first electromagnetic system for endoscopic spine applications. Earlier this year, Intracs®em received its CE mark and is already very successful within Europe and Asia. It is pending FDA clearance; expected before year end.

joimax® is also presenting ESPINEA®, Endoscopic Spine Academy, with its complete joimax® endoscopic education curriculum, which will play a crucial role in educating the next generation of endoscopic spine surgeons. Additional highlights in the booth will be the 4K Endoscopic tower and its optimal solution for endoscopic spinal surgery, as well as the latest 3D-printed EndoLIF® Cage family, consisting of the EndoLIF® O/On-Cage, DoubleWedge-Cage and Delta- Cage.

Wolfgang Ries, joimax® CEO and Founder states, “We are excited about the most recent developments within the US market. We are experiencing a great movement towards joimax® procedures, such as TESSYS® and iLESSYS®, from academics as well as private institutions. With our recently established ESPINEA® and the support from societies such as NASS, we believe we are at the tipping point where joimax® endoscopic spine surgery will become the gold standard of treatment in the US market.”

joimax® obtains registration for all products in the Indian market

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

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®.

“India is the biggest country in the world; it’s ready for emerging technology businesses like endoscopic spinal surgery,” states Santhosh Mechery, Director Spectramed Healthcare (P) Ltd. “We can’t wait to roll-out the complete joimax® portfolio in our country and enable so many patients to profit from this innovative, minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery.”

“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.