Post-surgical infections are among the most devastating and costly complications in orthopedics, a harsh reality that has increased interest in antimicrobial implant surface technologies, which are emerging as a critical line of defense against infection and a primary focus of implant manufacturers. Learn from OEM implant engineers about how coatings and materials are designed to kill bacteria on contact, prevent biofilm formation and protect against implant-related infections. The speakers discuss the efficacy of technologies that are applied during the manufacturing process and address the R&D and regulatory challenges of scaling complex surface treatments for commercial use.
Key Takeaways
1. Gain insight into the new R&D focused on antimicrobial surface technologies.
2. Understand the regulatory barriers to getting these technologies to market.
3. Hear OEM and surgeon perspectives on why companies should prioritize infection prevention R&D efforts.
Gautam Gupta, Ph.D., is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in the medical devices and healthcare sectors. Currently serving as the Chief Commercial and Portfolio Officer Orthopedics at Elos Medtech, Gautam previously held significant leadership roles at 3D Systems Corporation, including Senior Vice President for the Global Medical Devices and Dental business. Prior to that, Gautam worked at Biomet and was responsible for invention and commercialization of the OsseoTi porous metal technology. With a strong background in P&L management, strategic vision, and team leadership, Gautam has successfully overseen international teams and multi-million dollars operations across various organizations. Gautam has a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Kentucky and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Dr. Steven Gitelis is a highly regarded expert in the area of orthopedic oncology and limb reconstruction and currently serves as the Director of the Rush Center for Limb Preservation. His numerous appointments also include Endowed Chair, Rush Medical College Professor of Orthopedic Oncology and Director, Section of Orthopedic Oncology, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center. Dr. Gitelis has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Rush, completing both his orthopedic surgery residency and general surgery internship at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago. His early orthopedic oncology experience came from fellowships at the prestigious Rizzoli Institute, Bologna, Italy (under renowned Professor Mario Campanacci), and Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Gene Kulesha is Executive Director, Advanced Technologies at Onkos Surgical, and a proven medical device technology leader who excels in research, development, regulatory approval and scaling of antibacterial and additive manufacturing technologies through product commercialization. His experience extends into global regulatory approvals, in vivo pre-clinical research, quality assurance and production scale-up. Gene translates technologies into products that bring commercial success to companies. He is skilled in technology development, product launch program leadership, design for manufacturability and regulatory approvals.
Devendra Gorhe is a research manager at Zimmer Biomet and part of the company’s Anti-Infective Technologies and Innovative Solutions group. He focuses on evaluating new technologies in this space and taking them from concept to commercialization. Devendra has extensive experience in research, regulatory, manufacturing and quality functions. His more than 20 years of experience in the medical device industry includes project management, material and product testing, antimicrobial testing, coating development, corrosion testing, process development and risk management.
