Novel Antiadhesion Device Reduces Postoperative Fibrosis

The flexible spiral foil, available in a range of sizes, is reinforced by a metal core wire. When in place, the spiral coils lie flat, partially overlapping, forming a shell that adapts to the surface area. The overlapping faces are rough-surfaced to increase the friction between them, and to ensure that the spiral structure does not unravel under the pressure of the surrounding tissues.

The SpineShield also serves as a scaffold, guiding and directing direct scar tissue formation correctly around the spine bone structure. This helps form an organized scar, as opposed to the uncontrolled formation of scars that tend to penetrate toward the dura and spinal cord during the healing period. The foil is removed from the body after the healing stage has been completed, leaving a separation gap between the spinal canal and surrounding scar tissue. The SpineShield is a product of Magen Medical Solutions (Ramat Gan, Israel), and has received the European Community (CE) Marking of approval.

"Magen is on track to launch the SpineShield in select EU markets in 2010,” said Shmuel Beck, M.D., CEO of Magen Medical Solutions. "Distributors have already been appointed in Turkey, South-Africa, Russia, and Israel. In addition, the company is developing further product lines based on the same technology for tendon and nerve applications.”

Scarring is a natural healing process after surgery. Normally, the lamina acts as a barrier, which protects the spinal canal from surrounding tissues. However, the lamina is often removed in a surgery involving a laminectomy, and the spinal canal loses its natural barrier, exposing it to postoperative fibrosis or scar tissue formation. A fibrotic scar can cause compression and tethering of the spinal cord or nerve roots, resulting in postoperative pain and physical impairment in up to 15% of cases. Postoperative adhesion is considered a major cause of failed back surgery.

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