Medin Barbed Broaches

• A Barbed broach is an instrument used to remove pulp tissue during endodontic(root canal) treatment.
• It is manufactured from round wires, and the smooth surface is notched to form barbs.
• The barbed broach is an extirpating, NOT an enlarging, instrument.
• The barbed broach is formed from a tapered round shaft by lifting up portions of metal of the shaft almost at a right angle to the shaft.
• These elevated barbs will engage the pulp tissue and remove it from the canal.
• In its use, the largest size broach which will fit freely - loosely - in the canal is selected.
• A broach must not engage the canal walls as it is advanced, or the pressure on the barbs will flatten them against the shaft; as the instrument is withdrawn, the barbs will then embed themselves in the walls, making it difficult or impossible to remove the broach.
• Because the barbs are "nicked" out of the shaft this is an extremely fragile instrument, and will break easily if misused. It must fit loosely.