Laser Spine Institute closes, more than 500 employees have been informed

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – The Laser Spine Institute announced Friday the closure of all its doors.

It appears that 500 employees were informed on Friday.

A press release stated that despite "significant" cost-cutting activities over the past 6 months, the company was not able to find a financially stable path.

All sites in Tampa, Cincinnati, Scottsdale and St. Louis will be closed.

Jake Brace, CEO of Laser Spine Institute, has issued the following statement:

"I am deeply grateful to our dedicated, dedicated staff, who have stood up to us throughout our difficult journey and who have worked tirelessly to help us navigate the ship. We celebrate their efforts to keep the company alive, as well as their excellent record of close to 100,000 surgeries, helping patients with chronic neck and back problems find their lives quickly and effectively. "

Channel 8's news is being entertained with Kurt Loosenort, a patient who came on Friday for a Tuesday procedure, only to find out that he had been canceled.

"I have very bad leg problems," Loosenort said.

"We heard incredible things about Laser Spine. Precise diagnosis, precise procedures. We hoped for a quick treatment, a quick recovery. "

Loosenort said that he had even passed pre-operative tests on Friday morning.

"The doors are closed. Here and everywhere the Laser Spine is finished. The woman who told us actually cried. She said that she was sad for us and many other patients. "