Using state-of-the art technology that promises to become tomorrow’s standard of care, neurosurgeons at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, Frank Vrionis, M.D., and Timothy Miller, M.D., have successfully performed their first robotic-assisted spine surgery. The Institute, located at Baptist Health’s Boca Raton Regional Hospital, is the only facility in Palm Beach and Broward counties to offer this advanced technology and one of only two facilities between Central Florida and the Florida Keys.

The patient, a man in his 70s, underwent a minimally invasive spinal fusion to stabilize the lumbar area of his back using the Mazor X™ Robotic Guidance Platform.
 
“Robotics allow us to perform minimally-invasive surgeries with increased safety and precision, leading to less blood loss, less post-operative pain and faster recovery,” says neurosurgeon Frank Vrionis, M.D., the Institute’s director. “With our new sophisticated robotic system, we will be able to perform more minimally invasive procedures safely and effectively. This is particularly beneficial to our aging population, because it reduces the risk of infection and shortens hospital stays.”
 
The robotics platform assists surgeons by combining 3D pre-operative planning, robotic guidance and intra-operative surgical navigation for precise placement of spinal implants and screws. “The margin of error is very small in the spine,” Dr. Vrionis says. “If you’re placing hardware in the spine, there are times when one millimeter is all it takes to leave a person with weakness or a neurological problem. The more precise we can be, the better.”
 
The Mazor X™ Robotic Guidance Platform provides surgeons comprehensive information and visualization before ever making an incision. Using 3D imaging and computer analytics, the surgeon plans an optimal surgery in a CT-based 3D simulation of the patient’s spine. This means the angle, width and length of every screw are very specifically mapped for each patient and guided in real time during surgery.


Cresco Labs and Bluma Wellness Inc. announce the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the “HSR Act”), as amended, in respect to Cresco Labs’ pending acquisition of Bluma (the “Transaction”). The waiting period expired without the issuance of a so-called “second request” by the United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division (the “DOJ”). The Transaction is anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2021 and is subject to certain closing conditions, including approval from the State of Florida.

“We look forward to completing the remaining steps required to close the Transaction and are excited to begin our work with the Bluma team to accelerate our growth in the Florida market,” said Charles Bachtell, CEO of Cresco Labs.
 
 


Cresco Labs and Bluma Wellness Inc. announce the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the “HSR Act”), as amended, in respect to Cresco Labs’ pending acquisition of Bluma (the “Transaction”). The waiting period expired without the issuance of a so-called “second request” by the United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division (the “DOJ”). The Transaction is anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2021 and is subject to certain closing conditions, including approval from the State of Florida.

“We look forward to completing the remaining steps required to close the Transaction and are excited to begin our work with the Bluma team to accelerate our growth in the Florida market,” said Charles Bachtell, CEO of Cresco Labs.
 
 


The Health Care District of Palm Beach County has streamlined its online COVID-19 vaccine appointment request process to make it more user-friendly and efficient. The Health Care District announced the launch of a new scheduling system available at http://vaccine.hcdpbc.org. The technology allows those who are eligible under Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order to self-schedule the time and location of their vaccination appointment. The system rollout is timely as it coincides with the Health Care District marking a milestone of providing 100,000 COVID-19 vaccines.

“We are excited to roll out this self-scheduling link so eligible adults can quickly and easily schedule their appointments at one of our three large-scale vaccination sites,” said Darcy J. Davis, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. “As eligibility expands and vaccine supply increases, we are well-positioned with our new technology to accommodate demand for the next 100,000 vaccinations.”
 
The Health Care District’s appointment-only, walk-in vaccination sites are located at the South County Civic Center west of Delray Beach, the Burns Road Community Center in Palm Beach Gardens, and the South Florida Fairgrounds in suburban West Palm Beach. These sites are supported by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, the City of Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue, United Way volunteers, Palm Beach County leadership and the Florida Department of Health for Palm Beach County.
 
The new single-step scheduling form gives patients more control, reduces wait times for appointments and makes it clear where patients stand in the process. Individuals who visit the website can schedule themselves until all appointments are full. For those with no internet access, the Health Care District’s helpline at (561) 804-4115 is available to assist in English, Spanish and Creole. Appointments are available based on demand and vaccine supply that is received weekly.  


Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. announced that Carlos Madrazo has been appointed to the role of Senior Vice President of Investor Relations and Capital Markets for Curaleaf, a new position.

Madrazo will work with Curaleaf’s Executive Leadership Team to help advance the knowledge and understanding of the Company’s strategic positioning within global cannabis and consumer packaged goods markets, the Company’s successful track record for growth and execution, as well as the value creation opportunity for shareholders. Madrazo will also assist in corporate finance and strategic planning matters.
 
Madrazo has over 20 years of experience in investor relations, investment banking and operations at an international level. Most recently, he led Investor Relations and Sustainability for Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. Prior to Televisa, Carlos held positions with Tutv Llc as CFO, where he launched and co-managed a new business venture and with ING Barings, where he led Latin American media and entertainment investment banking. Carlos also spent six years with Chase Securities in its Global Mergers and Acquisitions Group. He holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelors of Arts degree in Economics.