Nick Shamie, MD, became the first surgeon at a major U.S. hospital to use Xenco Medical's disposable devices during a spine surgery.
Here are five key facts:
 
1. Dr. Shamie, professor and chief of orthopedic spine surgery at UCLA, performed the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery on July 13.
 
2. The plastic instruments are the first of its kind, and Xenco made them disposable to reduce the risk of infection caused by the reuse of inadequately sterilized instruments.
 
3. Designed with nylon plastic and fiberglass, the Xenco instruments perform with as much durability and accuracy as metal instruments. Because the instruments are disposable, each set is used in it peak condition.
 
4. Xenco's Argus Cervical Interbody System disposable devices are used for spinal fusion procedures at one level in patients with degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine.
 
5. Xenco Medical is a U.S.-based company.