Ranier CAdisc-L (Lumbar Disc)

[Rev. Zen]

Originally Posted by Frankg

Thanks Carson. I'd love to know two more things:
- How can a US citizen get into one of the clinical trials happening now in Europe or elsewhere.
- Is it ever possible here, in Europe or anywhere else for a physicians who is not involved in their trials to be able to use the CAdisc product on a patient privately?

I emailed the contact person a few months back for the CAdisc-L trial that is in the UK (I am in the US). I was informed that I could not be a candidate. I did not really ask why, but I assumed I had to be relatively local in order to the annual follow-ups that are typical in these clinical trials.

I am still holding out for something to come to fruition in regards to disc arthoplasty, but ever sine the DASCOR downfall, I have not had much luck. I would jump into the Freedom Lumbar Disc trial in a heartbeat if I knew I would get the freedom disc, but it is 50-50 that I would get their control device.

If I wait much longer, I may not have a choice. I think I can feel myself getting shorter by the day from the loss of disc height.

[Carson]

Exactly. Anything is possible but I would guess the rules and regs surrounding trials are pretty particular about citizenship. The only way to know definitively would be to contact the trial. Ian Quirk seems to be the person to speak with.

There are 5 different centres across Europe participating in the trial so there should be some news of results coming soon enough.

The disc has been in development a long while. Google yields one article going back to 2005 announcing funding and partnership type info as development was just beginning.

[Carson]

Ranier has received their CE Mark of approval for their CAdisc in Europe and looks like, from what I've heard from two surgeons in the US, there will be a US clinical trial for this disc in 2011. Will be interesting to see how it goes. Very unique design.

Ranier Technology Receives CE Mark Approval for Cadisc™-L Lumbar Spinal Disc Replacement

[Carson]