THE SPINE TECH SURGEONS ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT
Written by Laura Dyrda | August 29, 2019
Eight spine surgeons discuss the technology at the forefront of the field today and on the horizon.
THE MOST DANGEROUS TREND IN SPINE SURGERY
Written by Laura Dyrda | August 16, 2019
Ten spine surgeons reveal the trends in healthcare that could have a negative impact on spine surgeons and care delivery in the future.
DR. THOMAS LOFTUS: HOW PRIVATE PRACTICE IN SPINE IS CHANGING
Written by Laura Dyrda | August 09, 2019
Thomas Loftus, MD, founder of the Austin (Texas) Neurosurgical Institute, has spent his career focused on complex minimally invasive spine surgery.
He founded his practice in July 2003 and continues to expand options for his patients. Here, Dr. Loftus discusses the most interesting technology developments and how he sees his practice evolving in the future.
LOFTUS ADDS ADDITIONAL PATENT TO MISS CONTRIBUTIONS
Written by Anispine | June 20, 2014
Dr. Loftus is happy to announce he has been granted a second patent related to Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS). This is another innovative contribution to the field of minimally-invasive spine surgery by Dr. Loftus.
The claim, titled “Retractor Component System and Method Comprising Same” is a blade assembly.
A blade assembly has a blade body and a blade body surround. A retractor attachment structure is attached to the blade body at the first end portion thereof extending from an exterior surface thereof. The retractor attachment structure is configured for having one of the blade body mounting structures of the retractor engaged therewith in a manner whereby the blade body is independently pivotable about and translatable along the blade body mounting structure. An alignment member protrudes from an interior surface of the blade body adjacent its first end portion. A slot extends through the blade body at its first end portion. The blade body surround and the blade body jointly form a generally cylindrical-shaped structure when the blade body is in a seated position within the slot. The cylindrical structure defines a central passage extending between the first and second end portions of blade body surround.
The U.S. Patent Office approved additional independent claims for serial no. 13/416,931 relating to the overall retractor system.
LOFTUS NAMED TO TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE OF THE AANS
Written by Anispine | June 20, 2014
Dr. Loftus was recently invited by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) to be a member of the Technology Committee. The priority of this committee is to help advance the technological aspects of the educational and informational formats of the AANS.
He is looking forward to contributing to the AANS on a national level with his acceptance of this nomination.
The Technology Committee is a three year term and ends May 2016.
Loftus is a fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
SPINE SURGEON LEADER TO KNOW: DR. THOMAS LOFTUS OF AUSTIN NEUROSURGICAL INSTITUTE
Written by Anuja Vaidya | December 18, 2013
Thomas S. Loftus, MD, established Austin Neurosurgical Institute. He also serves as an educator for Medtronic’s minimally invasive spinal surgery courses. He is a fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and a member of Congress of Neurological Surgeons, North American Spine Society and Texas Medical Association.
Dr. Loftus is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons and he has a professional interest in cervical herniated discs, cervical spine disorders, endovascular surgery, lumbar degenerative disc disease and spinal disorders. He has an interest in developing instrumentation and has been awarded numerous patents. He has also given presentations at a number of national conferences and professional organization meetings.