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HydroCision Throws Curve at Herniated Discs
HydroCision has introduced a new curved access set for use in herniated disc procedures using its cutting-with-water fluidjet technology.
The SpineJet Percutaneous Curved Access Set, introduced on November 19, is added to the company's SpineJet Percutaneous HydroDiscectomy System.
According to Gabriel Jasper, M.D.,
Approximately 50% of lumbar disc herniations occur at the L5/S1 level and are difficult, if not impossible, to reach with straight instruments.
Jasper is Director, Center for Pain Control, Brick, New Jersey. “In the past, lumbar epidural steroid injections or selective nerve root blocks have been the most effective minimally invasive tools on these herniations.”
Continued Jasper, “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. 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,” concluded Jasper.”
Doug Daniels, HydroCision’s President and CEO, said, "Providing a new curved access set should assist physicians in reaching difficult to approach areas of the back through very small incisions. This system will allow a growing number of neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and interventional pain physicians to help their patients who are seeking a less invasive alternative to treat radicular pain from a contained protruded disc. Given our challenging economic environment, a procedure that can reduce downtime from work will be a real advantage to employees and employers.”