Considering Herniated Disc Surgery? Learn How Barricaid Can Help Reduce the Chances of Reherniation
Back or leg pain from a herniated disc can affect every part of life. If you’ve been told you may need herniated disc surgery, it’s important to understand your options for achieving lasting relief and protecting your spine from future problems.
Most patients experience significant improvement after surgery, but some face the risk of the disc herniating again. That’s where Barricaid®, the only FDA-approved device designed to reduce the risk of disc reherniation, can make a difference. By reinforcing the disc wall during the same procedure, Barricaid helps preserve your natural disc structure and lowers the likelihood of another herniation or repeat surgery.
Considering Herniated Disc Surgery? Learn How Barricaid Can Help Reduce the Chances of Reherniation
Patient Testimonials
What Is Herniated Disc Surgery and How Does It Help Sciatica?
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer and puts pressure on nearby nerves. This can lead to sharp pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates down the leg, a condition known as sciatica.
When conservative treatments such as rest, medication, or physical therapy are no longer effective, your microdiscectomy surgeon may recommend a minimally invasive procedure called microdiscectomy or sciatica surgery. During this surgery, the portion of the disc pressing on the nerve is carefully removed to relieve pain and improve mobility.
Why Disc Reherniation Can Occur After Microdiscectomy
Surgeons in the United States perform more than 350,000 lumbar discectomies every year, and the majority are successful. During a microdiscectomy, the disc material pressing on the nerves is removed through the hole in the side of the disc caused by the herniation. After the procedure, the hole is traditionally left to scar over. However, if the size of the hole caused by the herniation is larger than the width of a standard pencil top eraser (approximately 6mm), patients are at a greater risk of reherniation and potential second operation.
Repeat surgery can be more complex because of scar tissue and changes in the disc’s structure. Studies have shown that patients who need a second operation often report greater pain, slower recovery, and longer hospital stays compared with those who do not experience reherniation.
Backed by two decades of research and clinical testing, Barricaid is the only FDA approved device proven to reduce the incidence of reherniation and potential reoperation for high-risk discectomy patients. Barricaid is a small implant called an Annular Closure Device (ACD) that is placed at the end of a standard microdiscectomy. This implant is designed to act like a barrier that seals and protects the disc wall opening made during surgery. It anchors to healthy bone with a titanium component and includes a flexible polymer component that keeps the soft disc material inside the disc where it belongs. This allows your surgeon to perform a more conservative discectomy, which preserves maintaining disc height and natural movement while reducing the risk of reherniation.
In 8 distinct patient populations, Barricaid has been clinically proven to reduce reoperation for reherniation by 81%1 and has been implanted in over 13,000 patients. It has been studied for more than a decade in multiple clinical trials and is FDA-approved for patients undergoing herniated disc surgery.
1Some studies outside US indication, min 1 yr Post Op.
Minimum study size of 20 Barricaid subjects.
In 8 distinct patient populations, Barricaid has been clinically proven to reduce reoperation for reherniation by 81%1 and has been implanted in over 13,000 patients. It has been studied for more than a decade in multiple clinical trials and is FDA-approved for patients undergoing herniated disc surgery.
1Some studies outside US indication, min 1 yr Post Op.
Minimum study size of 20 Barricaid subjects.
- Reduces the risk of disc reherniation after microdiscectomy surgery
- Helps preserve natural disc height and mobility
- Decreases the chances of needing another back surgery
- Provides added protection after sciatica surgery
- Backed by more than a decade of clinical research and FDA approval
By choosing Barricaid, patients can enjoy greater confidence in their recovery and a lower risk of recurring pain.
Barricaid is designed to close the hole and is proven to reduce the risk of reoperation
Barricaid is designed to close the hole, so repeat surgery can be avoided.
81%
Reduction in Reoperation for Reherniation*
13,000+
Patients Implanted
70+
Peer-Reviewed Publications
FDA
Approved
HEAR MARC’S STORY
Is Barricaid Right for You?
Barricaid is designed for patients with leg pain (radiculopathy) caused by a lumbar herniated disc at levels L4 to S1 who have enough disc height remaining to preserve. Your microdiscectomy surgeon will review your MRI, medical history, and symptoms to determine whether Barricaid is the right option for you.
If you’re considering herniated disc surgery or sciatica surgery, ask your surgeon about Barricaid and how it can help you protect your spine and reduce the chances of another surgery in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Herniated Disc Surgery
Most patients go home the same day or the next day after surgery. Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the disc herniation and overall health, but many patients can resume light activities within two to four weeks. Your microdiscectomy surgeon will give you a detailed recovery plan with gradual activity increases and physical therapy.
For many patients, sciatica surgery, provides long-lasting relief from pain, numbness, and tingling. Microdiscectomy is highly effective in removing the pressure on the nerve that causes sciatica symptoms. However, the disc can sometimes herniate again, which is why adding Barricaid can help lower that risk.
Traditional microdiscectomy focuses on removing the herniated disc material. Barricaid adds another layer of protection by sealing and reinforcing the disc wall during the same procedure. This reduces the risk of reherniation and reoperation, giving patients a more secure and lasting result.
Barricaid is designed for patients with a lumbar herniated disc and leg pain caused by nerve compression. Ideal candidates still have adequate disc height and are looking to preserve as much natural disc tissue as possible. Your microdiscectomy surgeon will determine if you qualify after reviewing your imaging and symptoms.
Barricaid is an FDA-approved device used during herniated disc surgery, but coverage may vary by insurance provider. The Barricaid team helps patients and clinics with prior authorization and can assist in explaining benefits and requirements to your insurance company.
Yes. Clinical studies show Barricaid reduces the likelihood of needing another back surgery for disc reherniation by up to 81 percent compared with surgery alone. For patients undergoing sciatica surgery, choosing Barricaid can provide long-term protection and peace of mind.
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery
If you’re planning herniated disc surgery, start with Barricaid. This proven, FDA approved technology can help reduce the risk of disc reherniation and protect your results for the long term.
