About us
Meet the Team
Our team consists of highly experienced spine surgeons, engineers, and clinical specialists working together to create the first of its kind-The Carmela Spinal Retractor. is here to improve surgical access, efficiency, and outcomes. Leveraging decades of expertise, our team is able to ensure the accurate development and refine intraoperative reliability.
Meet the Team of Professionals
Dr. James B Carr, M.D.
Dr. James B. Carr is a distinguished spinal surgeon with more than 25 years of experience in the beautiful central coast dedicated to advancing the field of spine care. Renowned for his precision, compassion, and commitment to innovation, Dr. Carr has spent his career improving surgical outcomes and enhancing patients’ quality of life.
Driven by a desire to make spinal procedures safer and more efficient, Dr. Carr invented Carmela— named after his first grandchild. The Carmela Retractor is a groundbreaking medical instrument designed to simplify complex spine surgeries. His device streamlines the surgical process, allowing for greater accuracy, reduced operating time, and improved recovery experiences for patients.
Throughout his career, Dr. Carr has combined technical expertise with visionary thinking, earning respect among colleagues and gratitude from thousands of patients. His work continues to shape the future of spinal surgery through the creation of the Carmela Device.
President
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Michael Melton
With over 30 years of executive leadership in manufacturing, quality systems, and business development, Michael Melton leads Carmela Spinal Retractor Device Company by overseeing and directing sales, operations, manufacturing, and strategic growth.
His expertise in managing high-performing teams and expanding market presence has driven Carmela’s global success. Drawing from his experience as a consultant in industrial and medical manufacturing, Michael directs Carmela’s business and sales strategy, guiding its vision for global growth and lasting impact in spinal care.
Dr. Harish Kakarala, M.D.
Dr. Harish Kakarala is apulmonary intensivist with over 30 years of experience in the medical field and serves as the Chairman of the Board for Carmela.
At Carmela, he brings decades of clinical expertise to provide strategic guidance, helping shape precise medical devices to improve patient care and surgical outcomes.
MD Chairman of the Board
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Kirk Spiegel
Kirk Spiegel is the lead engineer behind the Carmela Spinal Retractor Device, bringing over 40 years of experience in aerospace and biomedical engineering. He previously served as Senior Engineer at PDS/Wright Solutions, working on the J2X Rocket Engine and Space Shuttle Main Engine, designing critical systems like liquid air insulation and heating for fuel ducts.
As Owner of Fabtec Co., Kirk has led design and manufacturing projects across aerospace, medical devices, and precision machining, including artificial heart pump components and custom injection-molded parts.
Renowned for his exceptional engineering and manufacturing skills his abilities in project engineering, analysis, and manufacturing, coupled with his can-do attitude, make it easy for Carmela to be mass produced for global distribution—designed and built right.
Kirk’s expertise ensures the Carmela Spinal Retractor Device combines expert design with practical, reliable performance in surgery.
Lead Engineer
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Greg Street
Kirk Spiegel is the lead engineer behind the Carmela Spinal Retractor Device, bringing over 40 years of experience in aerospace and biomedical engineering. He previously served as Senior Engineer at PDS/Wright Solutions, working on the J2X Rocket Engine and Space Shuttle Main Engine, designing critical systems like liquid air insulation and heating for fuel ducts.
As Owner of Fabtec Co., Kirk has led design and manufacturing projects across aerospace, medical devices, and precision machining, including artificial heart pump components and custom injection-molded parts.
Renowned for his exceptional engineering and manufacturing skills his abilities in project engineering, analysis, and manufacturing, coupled with his can-do attitude, make it easy for Carmela to be mass produced for global distribution—designed and built right.
Kirk’s expertise ensures the Carmela Spinal Retractor Device combines expert design with practical, reliable performance in surgery.
Lead Engineer
[email protected]
Device patented in US and EU
