Author: Antonio Berlen

joimax® Expands Presence in Australia

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Karlsruhe (GER) – joimax®, the German-based market leader in technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic and minimally invasive spinal surgery, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Australian medical device distributor, LifeHealthcare. The two companies have entered into a long-term relationship to provide a broader surgical choice for patients considering spinal surgery.

joimax® Expands Presence in Australia

“We’re looking forward to working with a partner as strong as LifeHealthcare,” says joimax® Founder and CEO Wolfgang Ries. “LifeHealthcare shares our goals and vision, ensuring that we are able to deliver the highest standards of patient care.”

Endoscopic spine surgery has been steadily growing in popularity since the late 1990’s with exponential growth in the technique for the past ten years. Surgeons throughout the world have reported that this type of surgery can assist patients in faster recovery, enabling them to reduce their post-operative stay.

“We’re very pleased to collaborate with joimax®,” comments LifeHealthcare Chief Executive Officer Matt Muscio. “Endoscopic spine surgery is a technique that enables patients to have access to truly minimally invasive surgical procedures of the spine.”

Thus, joimax® strengthens its sales activities in Australia and enters into another important partnership across APAC.

About LifeHealthcare

LifeHealthcare is a leading independent provider of healthcare solutions in Australia and New Zealand bringing healthcare professionals innovative medical devices by partnering with world class companies who share the vision of innovation and making a real difference to people’s lives. LifeHealthcare has been recognised as one of the Financial Times 1,000 High Growth Companies in Asia-Pacific. In May 2018, LifeHealthcare was acquired by Australia’s largest private equity fund, Pacific Equity Partners, a market leader that has been recognised as a Top 20 Consistent Performer Globally by Prequin. For further information, please visit www.lifehealthcare.com.au.

joimax® Signs National Distribution Partner in Taiwan

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Karlsruhe (GER), 26 June 2020 – joimax®, the German-based market leader in technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic and minimally invasive spinal surgery, is pleased to announce a new countrywide distributor in Taiwan, Hi-Clearance Inc. With the aim of building an effective, long-term relationship, the strategic supplier partnership is a further milestone in the international growth of joimax® .

joimax® Signs National Distribution Partner in Taiwan

“Hi-Clearance is our ideal sales and service partner,” says joimax® CEO and Founder Mr. Wolfgang Ries. With their streamlined structure and process in place, we are confident joimax® will penetrate this new market very successfully”.

Hi-Clearance Inc. has over 239 employees, and is a well-known supplier of medical materials and equipment in Taiwan. “We are very pleased about the new strategic partnership and are excited to continue the strong growth of both companies,” states Hi-Clearance Chairman Mr. John Lee and President Mr. Ernie Chen. “We are dedicated to establishing joimax® as the leading brand of endoscopic spine surgery in Taiwan.”

Hi-Clearance Inc. is headquartered in Taipei with four other branches spread across the country. The main business includes products for Hemodialysis, Critical Care, Dental, Cardiology, Homecare Devices, Nutrition and a major Spine Surgery Division. In 2019, sales were USD 107 million.

New partnership: joimax® joins forces with JAPAN MEDICALNEXT CO., LTD.

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Karlsruhe (GER), 16 June 2020
 joimax®, the German-based market leader in technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic and minimally invasive spinal surgery, is starting as of now a new partnership in Japan. The distributor JMC- JAPAN MEDICALNEXT CO., LTD. and joimax® are pursuing a long-term sales cooperation that will result in an extensive distribution agreement for the entire Japanese market.

joimax® joins forces with JAPAN MEDICALNEXT CO., LTD.

joimax® is looking forward to working with a partner strong as JMC, says joimax® Founder and CEO Wolfgang Ries and adds, “a company that has the necessary personnel, expertise, as well as the corresponding specialization and penetration of the market”. Masayuki Yoshimura, President and CEO of JMC, explains, “We are very excited to partner with joimax®. With our shared vision for advancing the field of minimum invasive spinal surgery, we are looking forward to introducing the globally recognized joimax® products in Japan”. Thus, joimax® strengthens its sales activities in Japan and enters into another important partnership in Asia.

JAPAN MEDICALNEXT CO., LTD. founded in 1992 is located in Osaka, Japan. With 314 employees at its locations and an Orthopedics Division that will focus on joimax® products, the company is a wholly-owned entity of MC Healthcare, Inc. (subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation) and prominent supplier of medical devices in Japan.

joimax® Organizes its First Online Endoscopic Spine Symposium

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Karlsruhe (GER) — joimax®, the Germany-based market leader of technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic minimally-invasive spinal surgery, held its first online global symposium, “Endoscopic Spine Surgery – Indications, Technology and Limitations”, at its headquarters in the Training and Education Center (TEC) in Karlsruhe-Germany, on April 24-25, 2020.

In view of the coronavirus restrictions introduced by many governments, in March,  joimax® began holding weekly webinars, in partnership with key surgeons, to demonstrate the latest endoscopic techniques. The training sessions culminated with a two-day Symposium, full of live discussions and video demonstrations, scheduled during Western and Eastern time zones.

joimax first online endoscopic spine symposium, April 2020

On April 24, joimax® Founder and CEO Wolfgang Ries, moderated a panel with faculty members Ralf Wagner, MD (Ligamenta Spine Center Frankfurt-Germany) and Christoph Hofstetter, MD, PhD (University of Washington Medicine, Neurosurgery Department, Seattle/USA). The following day, faculty member, Junseok Bae, MD (President of Wooridul Spine Hospital Seoul, South Korea), joined the panel.

On both days, the agenda included a theoretical part focused on transforaminal and interlaminar indications, and the general possibilities of endoscopy from lumbar to thoracic to cervical, as well as a hands-on lab portion. In the wet lab, Dr. Ralf Wagner demonstrated the joimax® product application of TESSYS® and iLESSYS® in specific indications. Moreover, there were presentations of Intracs® em , the first electromagnetic system for endoscopic spine applications that can navigate instruments directly at the tip. This navigation system combines lateral and AP images of the C-arm with CT scan, providing surgeons with most accurate views of the target region.

The Symposium also featured special guests: Dr. Menno Iprenburg (Iprenburg Spine Clinic, Veenhuizen, Netherlands) and Prof. Alastair Gibson (The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Scotland); both board members of ESPINEA® Academy, who gave their valued input, based on their long-lasting experience.

“This is the  future of digital education and a great way to virtually meet and learn,” stated Dr. Iprenburg.  Prof. Gibson added, “excellent Symposium; it couldn’t get any better”.

The Symposium marked a major milestone, with 430 participants. Surgeons from all over the world joined this unique online education program and stimulating Q&A session.

When safe, joimax® will transition back to on-site workshops and trainings, but in the  meantimewill continue with its attention-grabbing online webinars.

joimax® Celebrates Resounding Success at the German Spine Society (DWG) Convention 2019

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Karlsruhe (GER) / Irvine, CA – December 3, 2019 – joimax®, the Germany-based market leader of technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic minimally-invasive spinal surgery, celebrated resounding success at this year’s German Spine Society (DWG), held November 28 to 30 in Munich, Germany. joimax® presented
its newest product innovations and hosted several informative sessions to rave reviews, exceeding expectations.

Spine Award 2019, joimax navigation system, Intracs, endoscopic spine surgery

Among the products showcased was a new member of the joimax® TESSYS® family, TESSYS® Thx, a system specifically developed for the symptomatic thoracic deherniation and decompression treatment. Surgeries utilizing TESSYS® Thx can avoid complications often associated with traditional open and microsurgical approaches, such as significant muscle damage, bony resection, and morbidities. joimax® also presented Intracs®em, the first electromagnetic system for endoscopic spine applications that can navigate instruments directly at the tip, if required. This navigation system combines side and AP images of the C-arm with the CT axial scan, providing surgeons with meaningful views of the target region. Intracs® em received its CE mark earlier this year and has been successful throughout Europe and Asia. FDA approval is pending; expected by year’s end. Moreover, joimax® presented its Endoscopic Spine Academy ESPINEA®. This modular training program, divided into a Pre-Clinical Training with anatomical models, endoscopic tools, and simulators, and a Clinical Training, part of the joimax® CM3 program consisting of visitation, hands-on workshops, and the first surgery, offers surgeons specific support to optimize and significantly shorten the individual learning curve.

Additional highlights included, the daily Meet the Expert Sessions, a Needle Placement Challenge with attractive prizes, and a lunch symposium on “Endoscopy in the Course of Time”.

joimax® CEO and Founder Wolfgang Ries states, “Our unmatched attention to the needs of surgeons enables us to be one step ahead. The reception of our products at this convention reinforced our commitment to endoscopy and underscored the importance of showcasing innovative products such as Intracs®em.  By participating in national and international spine congresses, we are able to achieve broad market penetration for the benefit of the patient”.

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® and Red One Medical Partner to Support Expert Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery for Veterans and Active Military

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

SAVANNAH, GA – joimax®, a leading developer and marketer of complete systems for endoscopic minimally invasive spinal surgery, and Red One Medical, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, announced their partnership today. The partnership enables both companies to continue their missions to improve patient care and surgical outcomes with leading edge medical technology and devices.

RED-ONE-joimax-collaboration, Military, veterans, endoscopic spine experts, endoscopic devices, endoscopic systems, treatment

Red One Medical Founder and CEO Charles Pollak shared, “I am excited to join forces with joimax® to offer their innovative technologies, systems and methods for endoscopic minimally invasive spinal surgery to VA and DoD facilities across the nation, further supporting the government’s goal to improve outcomes and improve efficiency in these facilities.”

Matt Cronin, senior VP of sales and marketing for joimax®, is a U.S. Navy veteran and hailed this partnership: “This is a pivotal moment for joimax® and our long history. We are honored to be a part of improving health care for our many veterans and our brave U.S. military personnel, as well as for their dependents. Our working together with Red One Medical will make endoscopic spine surgery more accessible to this patient population, where a quicker return to both duty and a more active life, is so important.”

About Red One Medical

Red One Medical is a CVE-certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) located in Savannah, GA. Wholly owned and operated by a combat veteran, Red One Medical is a leading medical device distributor and wholesaler serving the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers and Department of Defense (DoD) hospitals. Red One Medical donates a portion of profits to leading charities as part of its mission to support veterans, military families and their communities. To learn more, visit http://www.redonemedical.com/

joimax® starts the official sale of its EndoLIF® Delta and DoubleWedge cages. All three members of EndoLIF® family CE approved.

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Karlsruhe, GER– July 15, 2019 –joimax®, the Germany-based market leader of technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic minimally-invasive spinal surgery, announces the official sales launch of its complete EndoLIF® family. EndoLIF® is an instrument set for endoscopic-assisted minimally invasive lumbar interbody fusion. As already announced and showcased at earlier events, the EndoLIF® product line consists of three members now: the well-known EndoLIF® O/On-Cage, the EndoLIF® Delta Cage, and the latest EndoLIF® Double Wedge Cage. The complete EndoLIF® product family is now CE-approved and fully available. Moreover, the EndoLIF® O/On-Cage is FDA-approved.

All EndoLIF® Implants are manufactured using a 3D printing process, which ensures an open diamond cell structure. The cages are safely implanted via the guide wire and are fillable with bone or bone substitute material. With their rough and porous surface, the implants guarantee optimal bone ingrowth, stability and finally fusion.

The EndoLIF® Cage family provides the right implant for every patient and is the perfect solution for endoscopic spinal fusion. With the gentle and atraumatic access via gradual tissue dilatation, muscles remain intact leaving important biomechanical structures in place after surgery.

Like with any endoscopic procedure compared to open surgery, all advantages for fusion are now given with the EndoLIF® program also. With one EndoLIF® Instrument Set all three cages of the EndoLIF® family can be implemented.

Endoscopic spine surgery, spinal stabilization, endolif, endoscopic device, full endoscopic, systems for stabilization

Dr. Florian Zentz, (Munich, GER) emphasizes “the extraordinarily high primary stability of the EndoLIF® DoubleWedge-Cage”. He continues enthusiastically: “After insertion the cage sits very firmly in the intervertebral disc space and adjusts the angulation up to 18 degrees, almost directly enabling an optimal lordosis correction.”

Dr. Ralf Wagner, (Frankfurt, GER) is also convinced of the obvious advantages: “The Delta Cage is ideal for the posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) offering a gentle posterior alternative, especially at level L5-S1 with its large interlaminar window.

joimax® Showcases New Electromagnetic Navigation System Intracs® em at Global Spine Congress (GSC), Toronto and at German Society of Neurosurgery (DGNC), Wurzburg Clinical Trials Start in Europe and Asia

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

IRVINE, CA – May 13, 2019 – joimax®,, the Germany-based market leader of technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic, minimally-invasive spinal surgery, is showcasing its Integrated Navigation Tracking & Control System, Intracs®em, at this year’s Global Spine Congress (GSC), which is currently being held in Toronto, Canada. The company is also promoting the system at the annual meeting of the German Society of Neurosurgery (DGNC), being held concurrently in Wurzburg, Germany.

The Intracs®em electromagnetic navigation system is simple to set up, very user-friendly, and seamlessly integrates into the joimax® endoscopic tower. It allows for navigation during any endoscopic procedure performed with the joimax® endoscopic surgical systems, TESSYS® (transforaminal) and iLESSYS® (interlaminar). Beyond that, it can serve as a stand-alone device.

The system relies on electromagnetic tracking, affording simultaneous navigation of multiple instruments such as needles, guiding rods, reamers and endoscopes. It was developed by joimax®  for easy planning of endoscopic approaches to the spine, as well as other minimally invasive procedures, like percutaneous fusions.

Various Intracs®em sensors guarantee the highest accuracy. Plus, for the patients’ benefit, the procedure can be carried out without further X-ray control –  only starting X-rays are required. As a result, access, intervention time, and radiation exposure, are reduced to a minimum.

The system is CE-Marked. Currently, clinical trials and applications are running in Europe and Asia, where the product has already launched. In specific Asian countries, like Taiwan, the first systems have been sold and shipped.

Users are very impressed with the usability of the system. “I didn’t expect that navigation for both transforaminal and interlaminar procedures can be made so easy and that the set-up time can be so much streamlined,“ states Prof. Michael Kraus, spine specialist in Augsburg, Germany.  “And for the thoracic approach, it is so precise and a tremendous help,” continues Dr. Erik Traupe, spine specialist in Munich, Germany.

The Intracs®em electromagnetic navigation system is simple to set up, very user-friendly, and seamlessly integrates into the joimax® endoscopic tower. It allows for navigation during any endoscopic procedure performed with the joimax® endoscopic surgical systems, TESSYS® (transforaminal) and iLESSYS® (interlaminar). Beyond that, it can serve as a stand-alone device.

The launch of Intracs®em is a key milestone for joimax®. As part of its global strategy, joimax®  is providing surgeons, worldwide, with the devices they need for safe, easy and gentle spinal therapies, with US-FDA submission planned for Q2, 2019. “We are committed to overcoming any obstacles and concerns related to minimally invasive, endoscopic spine surgery,” states joimax® CEO and Founder Wolfgang Ries. “Our success lies with our innovative, user-friendly devices and instruments, and our ability to provide both doctor and patient with outstanding safety built into our systems.” Moreover, a well established and targeted clinical training program for the spinal surgical community, named CM3, rounds out the joimax® educational offering. Earlier this year, joimax® launched ESPINEA®, an Endoscopic Spine Academy focused on a complete endoscopic spine curriculum. Designed as a full training program to elevate surgeons to the next level of expertise, ESPINEA® offers professional and high-quality education for endoscopic spine treatment specialists, worldwide. The ESPINEA® Training and Education Centers are located in Karlsruhe, Germany in the newly opened joimax® building, and in Irvine, CA, where joimax® opened new labs and training rooms last November.

joimax® presents product portfolio at JSSR in Yokohama Japan
Further continues International Growth Strategy

Posted on by Antonio Berlen

Karlsruhe, GER– April 18, 2019 – joimax®, the Germany-based market leader of technologies and training methods for full-endoscopic, minimally-invasive spinal surgery, is presenting its complete product portfolio at the 48th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research (JSSR). The annual meeting is currently underway running April 18-20, 2019 in Yokohama, Japan.

Earlier this year, joimax® announced its partnership with United Biomech Japan, Inc., who is overseeing distribution of the complete joimax® product line throughout Japan. Approval of the Pharmaceutical Medicals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) is expected within the next couple of months.

“The Japanese market is characterized by a strong demand for innovative products on endoscopic spinal surgery,” explained United Biomech Japan, Inc. Executive Kazuya Oribe. “The interest at our booth is overwhelming. There are approximately one thousand Japanese surgeons that are now already interested in doing endoscopic spinal surgery.”

“The patients’ demand for gentle surgery methods that result in a very quick recovery, is continuously increasing,” said joimax® Group Founder and CEO Wolfgang Ries. “Our entrance into the Japanese market is another milestone in expanding our global presence to offer superior medical products. Coupled with an outstanding, international training and education program, we’ve positioned ourselves for long-term growth.”

joimax(R) presence at JSSR Yokohama, Japan, endoscopicspine surgery, Minimally invasive, Transforaminal, Interlaminar, Training and Education, Japan, United Biomech Inc., JSSR
joimax(R) presence at JSSR Yokohama, Japan, endoscopicspine surgery, Minimally invasive, Transforaminal, Interlaminar, Training and Education, Japan, United Biomech Inc., JSSR
joimax(R) presence at JSSR Yokohama, Japan, endoscopicspine surgery, Minimally invasive, Transforaminal, Interlaminar, Training and Education, Japan, United Biomech Inc., JSSR