The Intracept procedure is an outpatient minimally invasive procedure for patients who are suffering from vertebrogenic pain. The process targets a specific nerve known as the basivertebral nerve. And has been exhibited to enhance function and decrease chronic pain. The implant-free approach preserves coming treatment choices for other spine conditions.
The mechanism of action of this procedure is to relieve pain by stopping the signals at the source in a nerve known as the basivertebral nerve. Chronic back pain is a long-term struggle in some individuals. A breakthrough in invasive treatments for back pain, known as an Intracept procedure, intends to target the nerves responsible for lower back pain.
What Is An Intracept Procedure?
The patients going through vertebrogenic pain undergo a minimally invasive procedure, the Intracept procedure, that is U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved.
This procedure is designed to offer long-term relief from lower back pain that affects basivertebral nerves. Intracept procedure has proved to improve functions and eliminate discomfort for a long duration. Moreover, it is also implant-free, which saves further options for treatments in the spine area.
The Intracept procedure involves following the main steps.
Step 1- Accessing the Pedicle
The Cannula Assembly of the Intracept introducer is inserted into the pedicle under fluorescence guidance.
Step 2- Creating a Channel
The basivertebral nerve is approached by creating a channel to the trunk through Intracept Curved Cannula Assembly.
Step 3- Placing RF Probe
The third step involves the placement of an RF probe in the trunk through a curved path.
Step 4- Ablate The BVN
The basivertebral vein is ablated through radiofrequency energy using an Intercept RF Generator. Generally, a 3mm – 5mm cut is performed at the lower back by a physician who inserts a radiofrequency probe inside the vertebrae to access the trunk. The purpose of applying heat is to desensitize the nerves, rendering them unable to transmit pain.
What Are The Sources Of Lower Back Pain?
The causes that lead to chronic lower back pain lasting for more than six months are complicated to identify. However, almost 80% of individuals experiencing chronic back pain are treated according to the underlying causes, including disc troubles. As we know, vertebral discs provide cushioning and spacing between the spine structure.
Moreover, recent advancements have revealed that the source of chronic back pain may also be inside the vertebrae. It involves the nerves and vertebral endplates considered vulnerable to deterioration and damage.
However, basivertebral nerve branches extend towards the upper and lower layers of vertebrae. Excessive stress on these nerve endings causes spine degeneration and lower back pain.
Any injury causing damage to these nerves leads to vertebrogenic lower back pain. The International Classification of Diseases code -10 officially labeled it as a diagnosis in October 2021.
Mostly conservative treatments, including painkillers and steroid injections, are first tried in lower back pain patients. Unfortunately, not all patients respond well to these treatments. We now have this minimal invasive Intracept procedure approach thanks to modern research and advancements.
How Does Intracept Relieve Lower Back Pain?
Ablation performed during the Intracept procedure makes the problematic nerves unable to transmit pain signals. The probe inserted into the vertebrae’s trunk destroys the nerves through heat. Such individuals may go home within 1 hour after sedation effects go away. However, most patients recover and return to their normal routine within 2-4 weeks of surgery. Although specific tips to avoid complications are recommended, including exercises and strenuous movements.
Healthcare providers at pain management clinic design a two to four-week follow-up plan after surgery that facilitates healing.
Who Is The Best Candidate For The Intracept Procedure?
The individuals who can go for an Intracept procedure must show the following aspects:
- Long-lasting chronic back pain for almost more than six months
- Failed to respond to conservational treatments, including physical therapies, medications and injections
- Diagnosis of bone marrow lesions in the MRI scans.
- Bone marrow lesions identify the fact that there is swelling and irritating nerve branches in the vertebral area that lead to pain.
- The spine is the core of the body that connects every other organ. Healthcare experts at the Pain Clinic Fort Worth collaborate to provide the best facilities for invasive Intercept procedures.
Summary
Through imaging guidance and a small spine entry, the doctor uses special instruments and radiofrequency targeted at the nerve to stop its pain signals. This nerve has not been shown to regenerate after the Intracept procedure, meaning long-term relief is expected for patients with vertebrogenic pain.
