Procedures By Product
Plasma Disc Decompression
Physician - Plasma Disc Decompression
Plasma Disc Decompression:
Plasma Disc Decompression is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed on an outpatient
basis. The SpineWand® surgical devices used in the procedure provide safe and controlled
tissue removal. The PDD procedure and SpineWand surgical devices improve on established
methods of disc decompression that have been in use for over 40 years.
Plasma Disc
Decompression 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 standardized clinical
outcome measures.
The SpineWand
surgical devices use Coblation technology to remove nucleus pulposis tissue. This
removal of tissue at relatively low temperatures (typically 40°-70° C) 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 larger disc procedure or a supine position for the small disc procedure. Patient anesthesia and sedation is
at the discretion of the physician.
Appropriate sterile technique
is observed.
Patient Selection Criteria
Plasma Disc Decompression is recommended
for patients who have not responded to rest, medical intervention (including epidural
steroid injection), and/or physical therapy.
The ideal disc decompression patient
has symptoms associated with a contained herniated disc.
Radicular Percutaneous 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
Exclusion Criteria:
- Spinal fracture or tumor
- Extruded disc material
- Complete annular disruption
- Moderate to severe spinal stenosis
- Severe degenerative disc desease
- Bone deformities