Trimedyne's Laser Treatment Gets FDA Approval

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 29 -- Trimedyne Inc. has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration to sell its Holmium laser and fiber optic devices in the US. The devices are used for the treatment of lower back and leg pain associated with herniated or ruptured lumbar discs. Trimedyne is the first company to receive FDA approval for this type of procedure, which is called foraminoplasty, the company said. The procedure uses laser energy to vaporize a small amount of bone that allows surgeons to see the nerves in the spinal column and repair the damaged discs.