More often than not, a surgical innovation is not the result of an overnight success, but rather the result of iterative improvements on a tool or technique that leads to better outcomes. In this episode of the BackTable MSK Podcast, we interview Dr. Jim Marino, a retired orthopedic surgeon and prolific medtech innovator. Dr. Marino gives us an inside look at his extensive career, detailing his role in orthopedic device innovation and the trials and tribulations that he faced along the way.

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SYNPOSIS

Having trained in an era where joint arthroscopy was emerging, Dr. Marino had a vision to build devices for minimally invasive spine surgery that paralleled developments in peripheral joint surgery. Alongside venture capitalists, he founded the company NuVasive, and eventually Trinity Orthopedics. He discusses the COREX device, a percutaneous autologous bone harvester that rivals the use of biologics. COREX maintains the gold standard of using cancellous bone grafts and significantly decreases donor site pain. Applications for this device started with bone grafting for spinal fusion surgery, but are now expanding to foot and ankle procedures.

Throughout this episode, Dr. Marino also shares valuable advice for aspiring physician innovators on maintaining a clinical practice during the entrepreneurship journey and balancing patient safety with innovative practices.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

14:34 - Reflections on Spine Innovation

25:03 - Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation

31:50 - Founding NuVasive: From Ideas to Reality

43:28 - Minimally Invasive Bone Grafting with COREX

1:00:06 - Future Applications of COREX

01:10:21 - Advice for Aspiring Physician Innovators

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RESOURCES

NuVasive:

https://www.nuvasive.com/

COREX Minimally Invasive Bone Harvester:

https://trinityorthodevice.com/

YODA Project for rhBMP-2 safety and efficacy :

https://yoda.yale.edu/about/data-holders/medtronicrhbmp-2/

Seattle Science Foundation YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChIIig54yF9aQYvpWGe1DPg