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What is Barricaid?
Barricaid is the only FDA-approved medical device used to prevent reherniation after a discectomy. It is designed to close large annular defects (holes in the disc) that remain after the removal of herniated disc material.
What is a Discectomy?
Classified as a decompression procedure, the purpose of a discectomy/ microdiscectomy is to relieve nerve pressure, compression, or irritation. The surgeon removes the portion of the herniated disc that is affecting a nearby nerve and causing pain, weakness or numbness. A microdiscectomy is a similar procedure as a discectomy, only done through a smaller opening often including a tubular access port.
Why is it important to Close the Hole after a Discectomy?
When a disc herniates, it’s because a hole or weakness has developed in the wall of the disc and the material inside the disc has been pushed out. The surgeon performs the discectomy though this access point. If a large hole is left open, there is a 27%+ chance of reherniation and the return of pain and symptoms. Barricaid is designed to close the hole by creating a barrier against reherniation.
Who is a Candidate for Barricaid?
Barricaid is designed for patients that are at risk of discectomy failure and do not want to risk a second surgery and a higher likelihood of disability. Patients that received Barricaid with their discectomy are 81% less likely to need a second surgery than discectomy-only patients. These patients are able to return to work and activity without limitations on their lives.
How Barricaid Works
Barricaid functions through the following mechanisms:
- Implanted following discectomy
- Creates a barrier that prevents additional disc material from re-herniating
- Anchors to healthy bone
- Does not restrict motion
- Allows your surgeon to preserve more of your disc with less risk of reherniation
Is Barricaid Safe?
Barricaid was proven safe and effective in a rigorous study presented to the FDA. Based on this strong clinical data, the FDA approved the Barricaid device for implantation into the spine after a discectomy. Barricaid has been implanted in over 11,000+ patients and has been proven biomechanically stable by independent laboratory testing. Patients have been followed out to ten years with positive results.
How does Recovery Time differ with Barricaid?
In a Barricaid study, patients receiving the device were able to return to work an average of 3.6 weeks later, much faster than recent discectomy studies which averaged 9 weeks. Once the soreness at the incision site fades, patients are told to return to activity without limitation. Talk to your doctor about their recommended recovery protocols.
Barricaid is built for the long haul. It’s designed to withstand 330 pounds per square inch of pressure—strong enough to support everyday activities and allow you to reclaim the lifestyle you had before herniation. With Barricaid, you’ll get your life back.
Reference: https://barricaid.com/patient/