A surgical device developed by two Wilmington medical professionals  is slated for market launch in early November.

The Hensler Bone Press, developed by neurosurgical PA Sean Hensler and neurosurgeon Thomas Melin, collects bone fragments after use of the high-speed drill and separates them from fluids so they can be reused in grafting procedures. The two, who are with New Hanover Regional Medical Center, have spent nearly two years developing and fine-tuning the new device.

This week, Hensler is demonstrating the bone press at the North American Spine Society’s annual meeting in Dallas. The nearly 3,000 surgeons attending represent Hensler Surgical Products’ target market. Hensler said while the the bone press will be useful to both orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons, it has the greatest application for spinal surgery.

“We have 200 units on pre-order, and distributorships set up in 42 states,” Hensler said.

The Hensler Bone Press is currently undergoing design controls.

Hensler said that he’s expecting to have about 4,000 units ready for sale and for trials in more than 30 hospitals, beginning next month.

He’s currently negotiating sales agreements in several other countries and expects that international sales will begin in early 2013.

Prior to the invention, Hensler said, separating bone fragments from liquids generated during drilling was difficult and time-consuming. He explained that use of the bone press generates usable bone right away, allowing fusion or grafting to proceed without undue disruption. And, according to Hensler, the patient’s own bone is better than synthetic material for fusing.

“The patient is my priority, but there’s also a significant cost reduction by using the patient’s bone, so it’s a win-win,” Hensler said.

The bone press has a second application, according to its inventor. When combined with an ultrasonic device, it offers a sterile method of collecting tumors and tissue.