Physician - Nucleoplasty
Nucleoplasty:
Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed on an outpatient basis. The SpineWand surgical devices used in the procedure provide safe and controlled tissue removal. The Nucleoplasty procedure and SpineWand surgical devices improve on established methods of disc decompression that have been in use for over 40 years.

Nucleoplasty is performed with the DLR, DLG and DC family of SpineWands which allows for treatment of the entire spine. These devices allow for targeted removal of nucleus pulposus with minimal damage to adjacent tissue and structures. The procedure has been substantiated by strong scientific and clinical evidence highlighted in a number of peer reviewed published articles. Numerous studies have clearly demonstrated a reduction in intradiscal pressure, positive intradiscal biochemistry changes as a result of Coblation and positive improvements in a number of clinical standardized outcome measures. The procedure also allows for rapid patient recovery.


DLR SpineWand
DLG SpineWand
DC SpineWand

The SpineWand surgical devices use Coblation technology to remove nucleus pulposis tissue. This removal of tissue at relatively low temperatures (typically 40-70 degrees ºC) preserves the integrity of surrounding healthy tissue while decompressing the disc.

The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic guidance with the patient placed in a prone position for the lumbar procedure or a supine position for the cervical procedure. Patients are often sedated at the discretion of the physician.

Appropriate sterile technique is observed.


Patient Selection Criteria

Nucleoplasty is recommended for patients who have not responded to rest, medical intervention (including steroid injection), and/or physical therapy.

The ideal nucleoplasty patient has symptoms associated with a contained herniated disc.

Radicular Symptoms:
  • Radicular symptoms > Axial symptoms
  • Radiologic evidence of contained disc protrusion
  • Discography concordant, if indicated
  • Failed conservative treatment
  • Disc height > 50%
Axial Symptoms (due to a contained disc herniation):
  • Discography positive for concordant pain
  • Disc height > 75%
  • Failed conservative treatment
Contraindications:
  • Spinal fracture or tumor
  • Extruded disc
  • Complete annular disruption
  • Moderate to severe spinal stenosis
  • Severe degenerative disc
  • Bone deformities
  ARTHROCARESPINE.COM | SEARCH THIS SITE  
© 2008 ArthroCare Corporation. All rights reserved.
ArthroCare.com  | Legal