Stryker introduced a new implant delivery solution for low-acuity spine surgeries designed for the ambulatory surgery center.
Here are five things to know:
1. The new solution, Ascential, offers sterile-packaged implants, customized service levels and a streamlined distribution model. It is intended for operational efficiencies, competitive pricing and reduced operating costs for ASCs.
2. The implants are Stryker-manufactured in accordance with the company's quality standards.
3. The spine products available through Ascential include:
• ACP 1 Anterior Cervical Plating System
• IBD Peek Anterior Cervical Spacer System
• VBA Vitoss Foam Pack
4. Ascential includes optional end-to-end radiofrequency identification inventory management with proprietary technology, allowing the sales representative and facility staff to monitor and manage inventory before, during and after surgery. The system is designed to reduce labor costs and ensure implant availability.
5. All of the implant packaging is unique device identification-compliant and includes patient labels to promote traceability.
6. The surgery center keeps the instruments after surgery, instead of allowing the sales rep to take the instruments for reprocessing, and sterilizes the implants on a schedule that makes sense for the facility. The inventory management program can be customized for each facility.
"Ambulatory surgery centers are often focused on improving logistics, increasing efficiency and reducing costs," said Orrin Levine, senior director, business solutions at Stryker. "The new Ascential solution positively impacts all three — once it's up and running, processes for spinal fusion procedures can become even more simplified, repeatable and scalable."