Updated 5:16 p.m.
COPLEY TOWNSHIP, Ohio — SpineMatrix Inc., developer of a device that diagnoses the source of lower back pain in a unique way, has hired medical device industry veteran William “Bill” Christy as its chief executive officer.
Christy has worked in research, development, sales, marketing and international operations for medical device companies for 23 years, according to a SpineMatrix release. He most recently was president and CEO of AOI Medical, a developer of medical devices for the treatment of osteoporotic spine disorders.
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During his career, Chrisy also served as founder and CEO of Ortheon Medical LLC, a company that focused on orthopedic tendon repair; founder and CEO of ESD Medical LLC, a developer of tubal ligation products, which was sold to U.S. Surgical Corp.; and founder and CEO of Synergistic Medical Technologies Inc., a laparoscopic product company that was sold to Ethicon Endo-Surgery, according to SpineMatrix.
As a leader in these companies, he helped launch 20 medical devices. He also holds more than 20 issued and published patents. Because of his entrepreneurial experiences, Christy may be the CEO who helps SpineMatrix build share in a medical imaging market dominated by other technologies.
“Bill’s extensive professional experience in the medical industry and as an entrepreneur is the perfect fit for our expansion objectives,” said Jeff Krauss, chairman of SpineMatrix’s board of directors, in the company’s release. “He knows exactly the right steps in guiding the company through its expanded launch in the marketplace and will shepherd us through this crucial growth phase.”
SpineMatrix is an early-stage company that has been selling its scanning technology for more than a year. The company’s SpineMatrix System maps the physiology of the muscles and nerves in the lower back through an array of electrodes. The colorful images produced by the scanner tell technologists whether a patient needs back surgery or physical therapy.
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The scans offer an alternative to current diagnostic tools, such as X-ray, MRI or CT images, which are expensive to produce and often don’t completely diagnose the problem. It also helps surgeons and patients avoid painful and expensive treatments and surgeries.
SpineMatrix’s previous chief executive, Ben Shappley, went to work for Amedica Corp. in Salt Lake City, Utah, in August. As president and CEO from 2006, Shappley led SpineMatrix through at least one investor fund-raising round, as well as efforts to patent the company’s technology and secure regulatory approval and insurance reimbursement codes for its sale.
Tim Biro, a SpineMatrix board member and co-founder, served as interim CEO until Christy was found, a spokeswoman said. Biro now is chief technology officer for the company. He also is former managing partner of the Ohio Innovation Fund and a former general partner of Reservoir Venture Partners.
