tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post7766662136440625107..comments2024-02-24T06:25:59.743-08:00Comments on The Spine Blogger: Senatorial Assault on MedtronicMusculoskeletal Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14873819014357051373noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-41441733012721066682011-07-21T21:37:58.341-07:002011-07-21T21:37:58.341-07:00I am an employee of Medtronic, so to speak...me an...I am an employee of Medtronic, so to speak...me and a dozen other strippers in Vegas that "dance for" medtronic reps and their pain mgt docs they bring with them. one in particular filthy medtronic rep had lots of girls "dance" for him while allegedly attending a pain mgt workshop--while his 9 mth pregnant wife was at home waiting to deliver any day. All while egging on the surgeons, even those who seemed uneasy, BIG promises. They, and the drs they bring with them, are all corrupt. I am privy to many private conversations, and nobody, none of them, cared about anything but money, and sex. Then change face while in the public eye to be caring about the suffering of dying cancer patients, (or wives giving birth). They even time how quickly they can get the pain pumps in, so they can get to the next patient, the more stims they did, the bigger the reward. It is a collaboration of evil mascarading as caring healthcare providers, exploiting people in desperate positions, talking about how I think we can get this patient to qualify, and try for that one too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-27855326989523600492011-06-29T12:00:49.609-07:002011-06-29T12:00:49.609-07:008:56, you have a dog in the fight, so you are not ...8:56, you have a dog in the fight, so you are not neutral. Whether Infuse works or not, there are well-defined protocols for research and research papers, and it certainly appears that those protocols were not followed by Medtronic. Labeling issues aside, this is another instance of Medtronic making unethical payments to surgeons/researchers. Also whilst they are also paying big bucks to shill lawfirms to anonymously slam Physician Owned businesses as unethical. The "payments to researchers" issue is is all over the news today, and it will not go away quietly.<br /><br />By the way, I agree completely that we need to get that knucklehead out of the white house.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-35641304467992515282011-06-29T08:56:34.637-07:002011-06-29T08:56:34.637-07:00I’ve had it.
I still work for Medtronic and I w...I’ve had it. <br /><br />I still work for Medtronic and I will be honest that this company has it’s problems and is heading in the wrong direction due to our “leadership” who don’t have the courage to do anything without getting the sign-of-the-cross from legal and continue to pass along boring, un-motivating nonsense that know one is listening to anymore. Any of my Medtronic brethren who have been on the last few conference calls can attest that there is no leadership at Medtronic. But self absorbed, MBA, butt kissing, yes men are who seem to be the apple of the executives eyes these days and Medtronic is not alone in that aspect.<br /><br />Now back to the subject at hand.<br /><br />Researchers are motivated by many factors like money, recognition and favorable outcomes to just name a few. There are bad apples all over academia who tarnish the data. <br /><br />Infuse is the most innovative medical product that has been introduced since Penicillin and the majority of you who have jumped on this bandwagon would have Infuse in your back in a second if you needed surgery, so ease off on the rhetoric.<br /><br />Infuse has been on the market for 10 years now and after hundreds of thousands of surgeries, the benefits FAR out way any of the unfortunate complications. Yes, the majority of those surgeries were off-label and yes, prior leadership made the mistake of not conducting a TLIF study, which would have been enormously beneficial and taught us a lot about how this product worked in that environment. But let’s be honest, if any of you were in charge and had the option of spending 40M on an IDE study, or let the product fly off the shelf I can assure that most of you would have done the exact same thing………nothing. It’s a numbers game folks, get used to it. This is what our society and business schools have taught us and will continue to teach your children.<br /><br />The PLIF study was stopped for two reasons. #1 some surgeons were not following the procedure during the study and #2 those adverse events from those sites would have had negative effects on the outcome of that study. It wasn’t the product it was the user. This product has revolutionized fusion rates around the world and if we have learned anything with Infuse, it WORKS!! Anything that works well and is used excessively will always have consequences.<br /><br />Some other key facts:<br /><br />Infuse was awarded the Prix-Galien USA award which if you don’t know, is the equivalent of the Nobel Prize for Bio Technology products. This award is not given lightly.<br /><br />Wyeth (Phizer) takes 50% of every dollar sold so please take that into consideration before throwing out the inflated profits of this product.<br /><br />The FDA is no shining star when it comes to being the medical device watchdog. Look at their history of unbelievable blunders in approvals i.e. Phen-Phen, Celebrex etc. It takes two.<br /><br />This subject is the exact reason we need patient registries in this country similar to Europe. The patients in these registries are tracked for decades and data is easily attainable and accurate. Thanks to HIPPA you won’t ever see if in the US.<br /><br />The surgeons are just as culpable in this as anyone. When something works, they use more of it and the indications become thinner and thinner until the outcomes become too negative to ignore and they always blame the product. Look at BAK, X-Stop, Trans 1, Dynamic rods etc.. Fads are always short lived.<br /><br />Be thankful you all have jobs and start concentrating on the things that really matter, our health, our families, our country and getting that knucklehead out of the White House.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-83805362849844281472011-06-26T00:05:56.990-07:002011-06-26T00:05:56.990-07:00IRS needs to probe POD's on employment issues!...IRS needs to probe POD's on employment issues! I am sure they have all independent contractors who actually only work for the POD's. Huge back tax issue! They are true employees!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-32175485620317609452011-06-25T20:13:11.194-07:002011-06-25T20:13:11.194-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-40925477087477159292011-06-23T19:17:04.277-07:002011-06-23T19:17:04.277-07:00Even Scarier
http://www.ilovegranny.com/Even Scarier<br /><br />http://www.ilovegranny.com/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-6399053690684534142011-06-23T19:09:37.798-07:002011-06-23T19:09:37.798-07:00Scary
http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F...Scary <br /><br />http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=fusAWLxRNUwAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-91011425848282805462011-06-23T18:49:42.135-07:002011-06-23T18:49:42.135-07:00And following the market busting cervical disc NUV...And following the market busting cervical disc NUVA will launch the ever elusive lumbar disc!!! All other competitors will get washed away in the wake of awesomeness!!<br /><br />Seriously though.... this will be epic flop like the rest of them due to reimbursement that will get no better. I say this from first hand experience as I have one in my bag.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-31147856942376728012011-06-23T16:29:51.208-07:002011-06-23T16:29:51.208-07:00No chance PCM makes it to market. The PorDisc pate...No chance PCM makes it to market. The PorDisc patents will make sure of that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-29424793208743150862011-06-23T16:14:58.707-07:002011-06-23T16:14:58.707-07:00Hahahahahahaaaa
Haa haa haaaa haas haaaaaaaa
Ahh ...Hahahahahahaaaa<br />Haa haa haaaa haas haaaaaaaa<br /><br />Ahh haa haas haaaaa haa<br /><br />NuVa is going to introduce an artificial cervical disc ?<br /><br />No reimbursements ??<br /><br /> <br />Hahahahahahaaaa<br />Haa haa haaaa haas haaaaaaaaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-6347119190260859922011-06-23T15:15:11.089-07:002011-06-23T15:15:11.089-07:00Good luck with reimbursement on that disc.Good luck with reimbursement on that disc.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-84257826014700922312011-06-23T14:45:58.097-07:002011-06-23T14:45:58.097-07:00For all posting w/ specualtion re: Nuvasive financ...For all posting w/ specualtion re: Nuvasive financial move this week, it serves many purposes. However, the one that wasn't mentioned is that they will be looking to launch the PCM cervical disc sometime later this year. With the new facility on the East coast, they will look to train MANY surgeons in hopes of making a VERY BIG splash w/ this product. Much of their future success & ability to continue to deliver the types of financial results the The Bear continues to promise the Street depends on the success of PCM.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-81297065600975108312011-06-23T12:09:20.930-07:002011-06-23T12:09:20.930-07:0010:40 Great post! Thoughtful and with some good i...10:40 Great post! Thoughtful and with some good insight. Kudos!<br /><br />I too wondered why the needed funds, and concur that expanded marketing of XLIF and other current products, even internationally, should be fundable out of existing operating revenues. That leaves two options - acquisitions and new ventures, or cash reserves for tough times ahead. While they've shown they have a talent for developing XLIF and other new procedures, will they be able to continue the streak with another product, especially in the cost-conscious market of the future? And if they're stocking up on reserves, then why? (Future payments on acquisitions?)<br /><br />As for interventional, it's a market that's interesting for all of the reasons you mention, but plagued by being outside the realm of traditional medicine and surgery. It too has also seen an explosion of technology and costs, but on the backs of some of the most targeted patient populations for health care reform. (Chronic low back pain, Failed back, new entrepreneurial docs building practices on new and somewhat questionable techniques.)<br /><br />So if orthopedic/neuro spine is a traditionally great neighborhood in a good location with good schools, but some overvalued prices and crumbling houses, then interventional is the bright shiny new neighborhood but in a town that may see its new big factory shut down soon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-11365959372510279312011-06-23T08:42:06.729-07:002011-06-23T08:42:06.729-07:00Selling, general and administrative expensesSelling, general and administrative expensesOraclenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-80155434328718861712011-06-23T08:13:29.708-07:002011-06-23T08:13:29.708-07:00That leaves Alex with $25 million to buy more wine...That leaves Alex with $25 million to buy more wine, take his family to another world cup event, and invest in another B'way play. Got 2 luv America, especially when you're a first generation American living the dream.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-20502698337567467562011-06-23T06:26:47.515-07:002011-06-23T06:26:47.515-07:00Hey 5:29 - Lighten up, Francis.Hey 5:29 - Lighten up, Francis.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-34207078011744025102011-06-23T06:10:10.579-07:002011-06-23T06:10:10.579-07:0010:40 excellent analysis. Add a few more points r...10:40 excellent analysis. Add a few more points re NuVa:<br />Cash: ~$200M<br />Annual Profits: ~$5M<br /><br />Debt: $230M (convertible mid to high $40's)<br />Debt: $62M - NeuroVision Trademark lawsuit (asking where the extra money will go....)<br /><br />Potential Debt: Medtronic lawsuit goes to jury in August 2011.<br /><br />Not much left, so essentially this new $350M convertible debt is a near wash.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-66363463150145722692011-06-23T05:42:25.335-07:002011-06-23T05:42:25.335-07:00SGA means?SGA means?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-70689458400060450722011-06-23T05:36:32.418-07:002011-06-23T05:36:32.418-07:00Why in God's name would anyone want to buy int...Why in God's name would anyone want to buy into this company? They rode the tube to the point where the wave has broken with XLIF, its time to reload, Love sitting on the analyst calls listening to The Bear hypnotize the analysts about how wonderful his company is, "20% growth, billion dollar baby, XLIF, where's the beef Alex? What's new? Can't wait to hear the reaction from those that drink the purple kool aid.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-57450171441377076792011-06-22T22:40:59.865-07:002011-06-22T22:40:59.865-07:00I just got the spinemarket email and read that NuV...I just got the spinemarket email and read that NuVasive is doing a convertible note of $325-350M. Seems it was actually announced yesterday so I'm probably the last to know. Oh well, I'm about to rant. <br /><br />It looks like Nuvasive got some 'cheap' money. 2.75% interest, and a 2017 conversion price 30% above the current price. $230M of the $350M is to pay off notes at 2.25% due next year. What's an extra half point on $230M? Chump change. So they pay off that note plus raise another $100M. Where will that $100M go? <br /><br />Even after all these years of losses, NuVasive is just now making a (small) profit- given their market cap. Operating income is less than 10% sales and 65% of their revenue goes to SGA. I just think that's crazy. Who hasn't heard of XLIF? I need another 100 million dollars. ATEC is another one. Over $150M in revenue but losing more than $10M a year. 59% to SGA. OFIX is a similar boat. 55% to SGA.<br /><br />I was curious about the interventional market, which is where my passion lies these days. Admittedly, there aren't many public examples but one can use Arthrocare as a model. Yeah, I know they are more into scopes than spines lately but the products are similar enough. ARTC has sales of $355M and turns that into an operating income of $54M. SGA is just 42%. Sweet. No, I don't work for them. <br /><br />From a business perspective, it seems intuitive that its less expensive to train clinicians to do interventional procedures than training spine surgeons to do XLIFs or MIS. I would go out on a limb and bet that the consulting commitments are significantly lower as well. Interventional procedures don't seem too sexy in this crowd but I think one can make a case that it can be more profitable. A sexy business is one that makes money. <br /><br />Who's making money on spinal implants and surgery these days? Its not the shareholders of these public companies. From what I read here, its not the reps. I know you guys are going broke because of PODs but we sure have had some great parties over the years! I doubt its the engineers as their budgets are a tiny, tiny fraction of the SGA line. Why are executive salaries so high when they can't bring home the bacon in terms of operating income? I guess PODs are in fact making money. Very little SGA and if you fly below the radar you can skimp on other things (Part 812). <br /><br />So what will The Bear do with his new found $100M? Hey, have you heard about XLIF?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-91083390329758614302011-06-22T20:49:43.819-07:002011-06-22T20:49:43.819-07:006:35
you crack me up, that is exactly what most of...6:35<br />you crack me up, that is exactly what most of their surgeons are asking everyday, so they can cash in their worthless stock options. Keep it goingAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-44851177992824796662011-06-22T19:19:29.513-07:002011-06-22T19:19:29.513-07:00This is old news and will go nowhere, on to the ne...This is old news and will go nowhere, on to the next monkey banging a football.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-56820775497394621592011-06-22T18:55:46.050-07:002011-06-22T18:55:46.050-07:0010:51 and 11:28, just want to know if you think ...10:51 and 11:28, just want to know if you think Depuy Spine has more or less consultanty deals than Medtronic. anyone know the answer to that?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-14872884391594046742011-06-22T18:40:30.703-07:002011-06-22T18:40:30.703-07:006:15
When is the last time you spelled a label? Y...6:15<br /><br />When is the last time you spelled a label? You have to go through a lengthy table in small print to see it. And how honest is it to write up the data for Spine or JBJS, and when you come to the one adverse event that is clearly higher in the Infuse group, close your mind to the principles of scientific inquiry and jump to the conclusion that it must be related to surgical technique? Laughable.<br /><br />And regarding the published consultant list, as was observed earlier, the list is woefully incomplete. But you're right, the likes of Globus and Nuvasive have not had the balls as yet, nor do I think they will grow a pair soon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-40800973005025449472011-06-22T18:35:33.833-07:002011-06-22T18:35:33.833-07:00Speaking of incompetent:
Has Globus gone public y...Speaking of incompetent:<br /><br />Has Globus gone public yet??Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com