UConn Health’s Comprehensive Spine Center is the first in Connecticut to perform tissue repair in herniated disc surgery using innovative technology to support current minimally invasive techniques.

The AnchorKnot Tissue Approximation Kit is a new advanced surgical system that includes precision tools to control and stabilize tissue closure. The specialized delivery system allows surgeons to approximate tissue, even when the procedure is performed in a minimally invasive fashion, through a less than 1-inch incision.

Dr. Isaac Moss, co-director of the Comprehensive Spine Center and interim chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, was the first surgeon in the state to perform surgery using the new technology to augment the minimally invasive discectomy technique that he has been providing to patients for the past 8 years.

“After minimally invasive spine surgery, patients have less post-operative pain, and a lower rate of many complications including infection and blood loss,” Moss says.

This enables patients to leave the hospital within two hours of surgery and return to normal activities sooner than if they had undergone a more invasive procedure.

“Despite advances in surgical technique, research has shown a 15% recurrence after initial herniated disc surgery,” Moss says. “Our hope is that new technologies that can provide tissue closure at the level of the trauma, such as the AnchorKnot System, may make a difference in improving procedural outcomes.”

Anchor Orthopedics XT Inc. is the developer of the technology. Pat Van Gelder, general manager of global commercialization, says he’s met with many surgeons who are aware of the current challenges.

“We developed the AnchorKnot system specifically to help in herniated disc repair procedures and we are looking forward to bringing this technology to more patients in Connecticut, and throughout the U.S.,” Van Gelder says. “We work with surgeons such as Dr. Moss who are aware of new advances and are motivated to improve patient outcomes.”