Presidents of the International Spinal Surgery Societies at LfC Headquarters
Surgeons enthusiastically received innovative DERO treatment methods presented at LfC’s pre-Course

The LfC Company hosted over 60 prominent spine surgeons from Poland and abroad during the pre-Course, which took place in LfC’s Research and Development Centre in Czerwieńsk, on 21th of October 2018. The leading topic of the course was: “Innovative spondyloimplantological methods in use in Poland and in the World”. It touched on the very current issue of the surgical treatment of an aging spine.

Organized and hosted by LfC pre-Course was, by all means, a unique event.

First and foremost, the pre-Course was officially included in the program of this year’s VII Congress of the Polish Society of Spine Surgery (Polskie Towarzystwo Chirurgii Kręgosłupa – PTChK). It was attended by prominent guests, such as presidents of the spinal societies: Frank Kandziora – president of EuroSpine 2018, Paweł Jarmużek and Robert Gasik – presidents (actual and next) of the Polish Society of Spine Surgery (PTChK), Nachshon Knoller and Gaad Velan – presidents of the Israel Spine Surgery (ISS), as well as, partners from Germany – Achim Weinfurth (Via4Spine), Mexico – Paweł Malinowski (Mavero) and Israel – Adi Antonichi (MFast).

The international spine meeting was also a great moment to show LfC’s capabilities. Participants had an opportunity to see the recently opened Research, Development, and Training Centre, including the R&D laboratory, as well as, to learn about innovative manufacturing methods of the medical devices.

The course described LfC’s experience in the development of spondyloimplantology, including those concerning own patents and surgical practice. Lectures and workshops were delivered by a team of international and professional lecturers/speakers, incl. Eric Muehlbauer (NASS USA), M.D. Jerzy Pieniążek (Poland-Bytom) and M.D. Bernd Hoelper (Germany).

A very important event was the official launch to the Polish market of the newest LfC’s surgical procedure – L.F. Ciupik’s latest invention, a method of iliac-sacral stabilization with autogenous fusion – ISaF. Workshops conducted by Dr. Hoelper, an experienced in sacroiliac surgery surgeon, aroused great interest among visiting surgeons. An important moment was the establishment of the ISaF Group, the aim of which is to further research the method.

ISaF – method of ilio-sacral stabilization with autogenous fusion (patented), designed for surgical treatment of various sacroiliac joint conditions: degenerative, sacroilitis and sacroiliac joint disruptions caused by disease or being a result of previous unsuccessful treatment. The implant consists of two threaded parts manufactured with EBT (Electron Beam Technology) for enhanced Fusion (“3D-Truss-Ti” structure for „Ivy like osseointegration – L.C.”). ISaF is automatically filling the joint space with best possible material for fusion – the patient’s autogenous bone – during self-cutting insertion.

The practical exchange of experiences, which took place during the workshop was of great importance, as it allowed solving many issues and problems of the surgical practice. The other two methods presented in the pre-Course were:

– STRONG -MISS – a new challenge for percutaneous transpedicular stabilization ensuring distraction, compression, and slip correction. It is used to treat the lumbar region in several dozen dysfunction cases; presentation: M.D. Jacek Trompeta.

– SLIDER  – spondylolisthesis; DrRB method: Distraction by Rotation, Reposition, and Blocking in one (patented). A unique implant that solves the problem of spondylolisthesis! The SLIDER consists of two independent sliding parts equipped with “shark teeth”. This design enables the correction of spondylolisthesis according to the DRrB method, as in, Distraction by Rotation, Reposition & Blocking. All these advantages are provided one after another by using a specialized implant inserter (3in1). SLIDER provides very strong and reliable stabilization. It can be implanted from an anterior and posterior surgical approach. Additional transpedicular stabilization is indicated. Presentation: M.D. Wojciech Chrobak.

Besides, the LfC provided the opportunity to familiarize with modern IT tools for preoperative planning of surgeries and for selection of the implant size. Participants of the pre-Course were provided with access to a specialist stand with MediCad software and the support of the expert.

It should be emphasized that thanks to its substantive value, the pre-Course allowed expansion of the surgical skills, learn new treatment methods, and gain educational points, as the LfC was authorized by the Supreme Medical Chamber to conduct training in the field of spine surgery for doctors.

The occasion highlighting the pre-Course was the combination of the scientific and workshop event with art, following the motto: “Spine & Art …”. The participants had an excellent opportunity to experience beauty thanks to the paintings and graphics of the great Lubusz artist, Michał Bajsarowicz. During the meeting, the guests witnessed the creation of a commemorative graphic, Ex Libris, connecting man, nature, and surgery, copies of which were given to the participants at the end of the course.

SPINE&art – Michał Bajsarowicz with occasional Ex Librisa (Left). Presentation of the graphic drawn during the pre-Course (Right).

The participants emphasized that the DERO surgical methods presented during the workshops by their colleagues fill the gap and are indeed extremely needed, as there is a large group of patients who require a supply of specialist surgical implants. Furthermore, of great importance were examples of innovative bioengineering and medical cooperation, creation of interdisciplinary research and development groups enabling a take on scientific and implementation collaboration, including the participation of the Spine Research and Treatment Association. The entire pre-Course had an international feel as the “treatment is transnational.”

A very nice touch was the presentation of the Lubush region, arranged by the Marshal’s Office and Marshal Elżbieta Polak. The guests had the opportunity to taste wine from the vineyards of Lubuskie and to try honey from the local apiaries as the Lubuskie is a land where “flow both honey and wine”.

LfC is grateful for the amazing atmosphere, great attendance, and high interest in the DERO methods. Such meetings are a source of strength and motivation allowing us to continue hard work for the benefit of patients.

Thank You!

Lechosław F. Ciupik

and the LfC Team

 

The pre-Course gallery: