HydroCision Introduces The "Walk In/Walk Out" Option For Treatment Of Herniated Discs

Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Also Included In: Back Pain
Article Date: 17 Jun 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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HydroCision Inc. announced the launch of its new SpineJet® Percutaneous Access Set for use in herniated disc procedures using its novel cutting-with-water fluidjet technology. "These instruments will assist the company to more quickly capitalize on the double digit growth of the minimally invasive percutaneous discectomy market," says Doug Daniels. "A large driver of procedural growth has been patients who seek out surgeons who perform minimally invasive procedures to reduce down time from work in these tough economic times. This has led to rapid adoption of this new and evolving technique for the treatment of lower back pain by a growing number of neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons and interventional pain physicians. This trend has created the need for new instruments that can work through very small incisions."

The Company's SpineJet Percutaneous HydroDiscectomy System uses a high velocity water jet to simultaneously cut and remove nucleus to decompress herniated (bulging) discs, quickly, safely, and effectively- without the collateral thermal or mechanical trauma of other surgical modalities - providing relief to patients suffering from back and/or leg pain.

"Due to the very small incision size involved in minimally invasive spine procedures, adequate removal of nucleus compressing the nerve causing the pain has proven challenging and a limiting factor with regard to successful pain relief and good clinical outcomes," says Gabrielle Jasper, M.D., Director, Center for Pain Control, Brick, New Jersey. "Simply put, it is difficult to introduce classical mechanical disc removal and preparation tools through very small openings and remove enough nucleus to ensure pain relief. HydroDiscectomy is a clinically effective way to perform a discectomy through a tiny annulotomy, or opening, in a disc. The small size of the annulotomy has the potential to reduce recurrence of the herniation, and the absence of nerve retraction can potentially reduce recurrent radiculopathy, or leg pain, that can occur several months after the conventional open discectomy procedure is performed." Dr. Jasper adds, "The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and on an outpatient basis - my patients return home the same day with no more than a Band-Aid® on their back and can return to work much sooner than with traditional surgery. Also, HydroDiscectomy reduces the need for pain medications. The HydroSurgery approach made possible by the SpineJet Percutaneous HydroDiscectomy System provides physicians with great new tools, empowering us to perform truly minimally invasive percutaneous discectomy procedures that lead to improved clinical outcomes and faster patient recovery."

Lower back pain is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States and is the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work and reduced work productivity. Approximately 80 percent of all Americans experience back and/or leg pain at some point in their lives, and as many as 50 percent of working-age adults cope with back and/or leg pain annually.

Source
HydroCision