Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
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Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
Basivertebral nerve ablation (Intracept procedure) is a minimally invasive treatment that targets vertebrogenic pain at its source, offering long-term relief for chronic low back pain.
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The basivertebral nerve ablation, also known as Intracept procedure, is a minimally invasive treatment for vertebrogenic pain, a specific form of chronic low back pain. Vertebrogenic pain is a term that refers to pain that originates in the vertebrae. It is the result of injury to the endplates of the vertebrae, which are the protective barriers that are situated between your vertebrae and discs. Additionally, they transport nutrients and blood to your disks. Damaged end plates can induce pain at the basivertebral nerve within your vertebrae. Through each vertebra, your basivertebral nerves branch off to supply each endplate. This is the reason vertebrogenic pain is so specific.
In order to verify that a patient has vertebrogenic pain, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is employed to identify Modic changes, which are specific changes that occur with endplate inflammation.
The cost of Intracept procedure is variable, and you can ask Dr. Abraham about the possible insurance coverage for Intracept procedure.
What is Intracept procedure?
The Intracept procedure involves the use of radiofrequency radiation to heat a narrow point on the basivertebral nerve. This interrupts the transmission of pain signals from the spine to the brain, providing relief from vertebrogenic pain. When nonsurgical alternatives, such as medications, injections, or physical therapy, are inadequate, Dr. Abraham frequently recommends the vertebral endplate nerve ablation (Intracept procedure). It is a less invasive alternative to open spinal surgery.Who is a candidate for Intracept?
Patients who experience relief from the Intracept procedure frequently mention experiencing pain in the midsection of their lower back that is exacerbated by physical activity, extended sitting, and forward bending, as well as lifting and bending.In order to verify that a patient has vertebrogenic pain, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is employed to identify Modic changes, which are specific changes that occur with endplate inflammation.
The cost of Intracept procedure is variable, and you can ask Dr. Abraham about the possible insurance coverage for Intracept procedure.
Who is not suitable for the Intracept procedure?
You are unlikely to be a candidate for the Intracept procedure if you are pregnant or have:• An electronic medical device such as a pacemaker or another implanted device.
• An infection that is currently active in your body.
• Weakened pulmonary (lung) function.
• Cardiac failure or weakened cardiac function.
The Intracept procedure typically requires 60 to 90 minutes to complete. It is an outpatient procedure. Once your sedation subsides, you should be able to return home.
Slight soreness around the incision is a common adverse effect of the Intracept procedure that may persist for a few days. Bruising and minimal swelling may also occur in certain individuals. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, are typically effective in managing these adverse effects. Additionally, Dr. Abraham will provide you with a comprehensive list of post-treatment instructions.
• Effective for vertebrogenic pain: The Intracept procedure is one of the highly effective back pain treatment options, as it addresses the source of the pain, which is the basivertebral nerve.
• Lasting outcomes: Research indicates that the majority of individuals who undergo the Intracept procedure experience long term effects of basivertebral nerve ablation and a substantial reduction in pain that persists for a minimum of five years.
• Shorter recovery time: The Intracept procedure is less invasive than traditional back surgery, which results in a shorter recovery time. The majority of individuals thoroughly recover within one to two weeks.
• 65% of individuals reported a minimum of a 50% chronic low back pain relief.
• 36.2% of individuals reported at least a 75% reduction in back pain.
• Six months following the procedure, 22.4% of individuals reported experiencing complete pain alleviation.
Consult Dr. Abraham to obtain additional information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the Intracept procedure. He is capable of determining whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
Consult Dr. Abraham, board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at New England Advanced Spine and Pain Center for regenerative medicine, about Intracept procedure and alternatives to Intracept procedure if you have been experiencing chronic back pain for a minimum of six months without any measurable improvement from conventional treatments.
How does basivertebral nerve ablation work?
Our team will request that you lie face down on an exam table. Before starting the procedure, you will be administered general anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Afterward, Dr. Abraham will perform 4 steps:Step One: Access the Pedicle
Dr. Abraham passes the Intracept Introducer Cannula Assembly through the pedicle under fluoroscopic guidance.Step Two: Establish the Channel
Dr. Abraham uses the Intracept Curved Cannula Assembly to create a channel to the trunk of the basivertebral nerve. Imaging tools help to define the basivertebral nerve location.Step Three: Place the RF Probe
Dr. Abraham inserts the radiofrequency probe into the curved path and positions it at the trunk of the basivertebral nerve.Step Four: Ablate the BVN
Dr. Abraham ablates the basivertebral nerve by radiofrequency energy delivered by the Intracept RF Generator.The Intracept procedure typically requires 60 to 90 minutes to complete. It is an outpatient procedure. Once your sedation subsides, you should be able to return home.
What occurs following an Intracept procedure?
Dr. Abraham will inform you of any limitations that may apply after your Intracept procedure. In general, it is advisable to limit physical activity and prioritize rest for approximately 48 hours.Slight soreness around the incision is a common adverse effect of the Intracept procedure that may persist for a few days. Bruising and minimal swelling may also occur in certain individuals. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, are typically effective in managing these adverse effects. Additionally, Dr. Abraham will provide you with a comprehensive list of post-treatment instructions.
Benefits of Intracept versus traditional treatment:
• Minimally invasive: Intracept is a less invasive option than open back surgery. A single incision and a minimal number of sutures are necessary.• Effective for vertebrogenic pain: The Intracept procedure is one of the highly effective back pain treatment options, as it addresses the source of the pain, which is the basivertebral nerve.
• Lasting outcomes: Research indicates that the majority of individuals who undergo the Intracept procedure experience long term effects of basivertebral nerve ablation and a substantial reduction in pain that persists for a minimum of five years.
• Shorter recovery time: The Intracept procedure is less invasive than traditional back surgery, which results in a shorter recovery time. The majority of individuals thoroughly recover within one to two weeks.
What is the Intracept success rate?
Research suggests that the Intracept procedure is an effective and reliable treatment for individuals with vertebrogenic pain. Intracept clinical trials show the following:• 65% of individuals reported a minimum of a 50% chronic low back pain relief.
• 36.2% of individuals reported at least a 75% reduction in back pain.
• Six months following the procedure, 22.4% of individuals reported experiencing complete pain alleviation.
What are the possible risks of basivertebral nerve ablation?
Although side effects of Intracept procedure are uncommon, they may occur following any surgical procedure. Blood loss, infection, nerve damage, and increased back pain are potential complications of the Intracept procedure.Consult Dr. Abraham to obtain additional information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the Intracept procedure. He is capable of determining whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
Recovering from basivertebral nerve ablation:
Intracept procedure reviews show a complete recovery within one to two weeks. You may be able to resume your work or responsibilities as soon as two or three days following the procedure. If your job necessitates physical exertion, it may be necessary to extend your leave of absence.Your recovery time may differ based on your specific circumstances. Dr. Abraham can provide you with information regarding the expected result of your situation.Is an Intracept procedure the same as a nerve ablation?
Truly, the Intracept procedure is a term that indicates the radiofrequency ablation of your basivertebral nerve. This procedure is conducted using devices that are trademarked as "Intracept."Consult Dr. Abraham, board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at New England Advanced Spine and Pain Center for regenerative medicine, about Intracept procedure and alternatives to Intracept procedure if you have been experiencing chronic back pain for a minimum of six months without any measurable improvement from conventional treatments.