DlSC Nucleoplasty
Minimally invasive. Maximum performance
DlSC Nucleoplasty is an outpatient, percutaneous approach to disc decompression that is localized and controllable. Disc decompression has been shown to treat symptomatic patients with back pain associated with contained herniated discs.
Tissue Removal with Radiofrequency Energy
DlSC Nucleoplasty® features patented Coblation technology, which uses bipolar radiofrequency energy to remove tissue via plasma molecular dissociation.
Coblation uses radiofrequency energy to excite the electrolytes in a conductive medium such as saline solution, creating a precisely focused plasma. The energized particles in the plasma have sufficient energy to break down molecular bonds, excising or dissolving soft tissue, such as the disc nucleus, at relatively low temperatures (typically 40C to 70C), thereby preserving the integrity of surrounding healthy tissue. The result of Coblation is a portion of the nucleus tissue is gently removed, decompressing the herniated disc.
Before
Molecular Disintegration:
Typical large organic molecule (protein).
After
Molecular Disintegration:
Elementary molecules and low weight molecular gases
Over 35,000 patients have been treated to date with no unresolved complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which works better: DISC Nucleoplasty® or Microdiscectomy?
This depends on the nature of the protrusion. A recent study analyzed the effectiveness of microdiscectomy on different herniation types found that microdiscectomy performed poorly in patients with contained herniations with no sub-anular fragment, producing high rates of persistent post-operative sciatica, reherniation and reoperation.
The study concluded that " the treatment of anular prolapses with no discrete fragments by means of conventional anulotomy and limited discectomy was unsatisfactory."
These contained disc herniations are ideal candidates for the DISC Nucleoplasty procedure.
Is DlSC Nucleoplasty the same as IDETTM ?
No. DISC Nucleoplasty is a percutaneous disc decompression, using a bipolar radiofrequency Coblation plasma device to remove tissue from the nucleus and decompress the disc. A study showing disc decompression with Coblation plasma technology was published in the April 2003 issue of Spine.
IDET uses conductive heating to treat the anulus of the disc to perform anuloplasty, and does not remove tissue.
DISC Nucleoplasty treats symptoms arising from contained disc herniation. IDET seeks to treat symptoms arising from disc degeneration.
Is DlSC Nucleoplasty a safe procedure?
Yes. Over 35,000 patients have been treated to date with no unresolved complications.
What about recovery?
Recovery is rapid, usually 8 to 10 days, with no postoperative bracing required.
