Imagine not being able towalk, sit, or bend without feeling intense pain. "By the time i camehome every day, I was close to tears, and the only comfortable positioni could find would be laying flat on the floor," said Joann Seaman, aback patient.
A herniated,or damaged disc in Joann Seaman's lower back was pushing against anerve. Surgery was the best option. typically, doctors remove theportion of the disc causing the pain, but it leaves a hole behind. thiscan lead to another injury.
"Atleast 10 percent of the patients who have a discectomy will have are-herniation of that disc," said Eugene Bonaroti, M.D. neurosurgeon.Doctors are now testing a device designed to close the gap for good.the new repair system acts like a mini-sewing machine. The tip of thedevice is inserted into the disc wall. it anchors sutures on eitherside of the hole and pulls it shut for patients. It means reducing therisk of a second surgery.
"Forhim to give me the hope that this could keep it from re-herniating, Iwas excited about that," said Seaman. Getting patients back on theirfeet -- pain free … and keeping them that way.
More Information: http://www.ivanhoe.com
