HydroCision Introduces a New Low Profile Device For Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Discectomy Market
BILLERICA, Mass., December 8, 2009 — HydroCision Inc. (www.hydrocision.com) announced today the launch of its new low profile SpineJet ® EndoResector for use in herniated disc procedures using its novel cutting-with-water fluidjet technology. “This new instrument designed to work through any endoscope with a 3.1 mm working channel is now compatible with most spinal endoscopes available today. Its launch will assist the company to more quickly capitalize on the double digit growth of the minimally invasive endoscopic discectomy market,” says Doug Daniels, President and CEO of HydroCision. “A key driver of the procedural growth of this new and evolving technique for the treatment of lower back pain 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 the endoscopic approach 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 newer, smaller profile endoscopes.”
The Company’s SpineJet Endoscopic 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 lower back and/or leg pain. This new HydroDiscectomy procedure bridges the gap between conservative therapy and invasive open surgery. HydroDiscectomy can offer an option to patients who have failed conservative treatments and may lead to a significant reduction in their narcotic pain medication.
“HydroDiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure for herniated discs performed under local anesthesia and on an outpatient basis that allows my patients to return home the same day with no more than a BandAid ® on their back,” says Dr. Schiffer, who added that HydroDiscectomy is an innovative adaptation of the Lumbar Endoscopic Discectomy (LED) technique he has used in approximately 2,000 back surgeries in the past 20 years. “With HydroDiscectomy, patients can walk out of our surgery center in about two hours with total pain relief or significantly reduced pain. Other procedures may require open surgery, use general anesthesia, and necessitate long hospital stays and rehabilitation,” added Dr. Schiffer an internationally recognized spinal surgeon who trained at the Cleveland Clinic and is presently on the clinical teaching staff at the University of California, San Francisco, Department of Neurosurgery.
Approximately 80 percent of all Americans experience back and/or leg pain at some point in their lives, and as many as 20 percent of working age adults cope with back and/or leg pain annually.
“The HydroDiscectomy procedure has several advantages over open surgery,” said Dr. Schiffer. “First, it’s an outpatient procedure, so there is no hospital stay, and patients are back home the same day. In addition, there is no general anesthesia, only local anesthesia, which has fewer risks and side effects. And, patients frequently get immediate relief, because the HydroDiscectomy procedure effectively decompresses herniated discs and can thereby relieve pressure on the nerve instantly. Furthermore, HydroDiscectomy reduces the need for pain medications in those patients who have failed other conservative treatments. Because it’s a minimally invasive procedure which involves muscle dilation rather than cutting, patients experience less pain during and after the HydroDiscectomy procedure. And, finally, patients recover very quickly from the HydroDiscectomy procedure and can return to work much sooner than with traditional surgery.”
