Back to top

Image: Bigstock

CARL Launches Aprevo Cervical Platform for Personalized Spine Surgery

Read MoreHide Full Article

Key Takeaways

  • CARL has begun U.S. commercialization of its aprevo cervical platform with more than 50 cases completed.
  • CARL's AI-driven planning and 3D-printed implants showed improved alignment and workflow integration.
  • NTAP reimbursement, FDA clearance and clinical milestones strengthened CARL's platform outlook.

Carlsmed (CARL - Free Report) recently announced the U.S. commercial launch of its aprevo Technology Platform for cervical fusion procedures at the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS) 53rd Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. The launch marks the company’s most important expansion of its patient-specific surgical ecosystem, following the successful adoption of its lumbar fusion platform. More than 50 cervical cases have already been completed. Early clinical findings are being shared by surgeon adopters in a dedicated CSRS workshop.

The cervical system extends Carlsmed’s AI-driven approach to surgical planning, pairing three-dimensional preoperative modeling with 3D-printed implants designed for each patient’s anatomy. Early clinical observations highlight efficient workflow integration, enhanced endplate coverage and the ability to meet sagittal and coronal alignment goals more reliably than stock implants—an increasingly important capability given the 370,000 cervical fusion surgeries performed annually in the United States. Surgeons participating in the evaluation cited improved precision and expanded opportunities to treat complex patients.

Likely Trend of CARL Stock Following the News

Following the announcement on Dec. 3, the company's shares declined 27.5% till yesterday’s closing. CARL’s shares have declined 15.1% compared with the industry’s 10.5% fall since its IPO on July 23, 2025. The S&P 500 has gained 10.7% in the same time frame.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

With robust clinical validation, strong reimbursement tailwinds, FDA clearance and a growing base of surgeon adopters, Carlsmed’s cervical platform positions it at the forefront of personalized spine surgery. As demand accelerates, the launch signals not just an expansion of product offerings, but a meaningful shift toward precision-engineered spinal care in one of the largest fusion markets in the United States.

CARL currently has a market capitalization of $352.6 million.

More on the News

The launch comes on the heels of several milestones that have built momentum for Carlsmed’s cervical platform. In July 2025, the company announced that its first personalized cervical spine surgery had been performed at UC San Diego by Dr. Joseph Osorio, who emphasized the platform’s ability to achieve alignment levels difficult to match with traditional implants. Executives framed the milestone as a natural extension of the company’s expansion into personalized cervical procedures, particularly following its IPO and growing clinical partnerships.

Regulatory and reimbursement progress bolstered the platform’s commercial outlook. In August 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services granted New Technology Add-On Payment (NTAP) status to cervical fusion procedures using aprevo implants, enabling hospitals to receive up to $21,125 in additional reimbursement per qualifying procedure beginning in October 2025. This decision followed CMS’s earlier reimbursement support for lumbar applications and is expected to accelerate adoption by reducing financial barriers for both hospitals and payors.

Carlsmed’s path toward cervical commercialization began with the FDA 510(k) clearance of the aprevo Cervical ACDF Interbody System in late 2024. The device — also designated as a Breakthrough Technology — was recognized for its potential to address unmet needs in cervical fusion by replacing one-size-fits-all implants with level-specific customization. Clinical leaders highlighted the system’s ability to improve coverage and alignment, both critical to reducing complications and revision rates. The company had initially expected a 2025 commercial launch, and the recent rollout thus meets the timeline.

CARL’s Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Currently, Carlsmed carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are Medpace Holdings (MEDP - Free Report) , Intuitive Surgical (ISRG - Free Report) and Boston Scientific (BSX).

Medpace, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), reported third-quarter 2025 earnings per share (EPS) of $3.86, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10.29%. Revenues of $659.9 million beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.04%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy)stocks here.

MEDP has an estimated earnings growth rate of 17.1% for 2025 compared with the industry’s 16.6% growth. The company beat earnings estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 14.28%.

Intuitive Surgicalsporting a Zacks Rank #1 at present, posted third-quarter 2025 adjusted EPS of $2.40, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 20.6%. Revenues of $2.51 billion topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.9%.

ISRG has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 15.7% compared with the industry’s 11.9% growth. The company’s earnings outpaced estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 16.34%.

Boston Scientific, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #2, reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted EPS of 75 cents, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.6%. Revenues of $5.07 billion outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.9%.

BSX has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 16.4% compared with the industry’s 13.5% growth. The company’s earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 7.36%.     


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG) - free report >>

Medpace Holdings, Inc. (MEDP) - free report >>

Carlsmed, Inc. (CARL) - free report >>

Published in