Intracept
Intracept Procedure, which is intended to intracept — and prevent — the transmission of pain signals from the internal nerve inside the vertebral bone to the spinal cord and the brain.
The branches of the basivertebral nerve extend from the center of the boney vertebrae to the upper and lower surfaces of the vertebrae. With age and degeneration of the spine, additional stress can be placed on the vertebrae which can send pain signals to the basivertebral nerve — leading to chronic low back pain.
With the Intracept procedure, the physician makes a 3mm to 5mm incision in the low back and a radiofrequency probe is then inserted to access the center of the vertebrae at the trunk of the basivertebral nerve. Heat is applied through the probe, preventing it from transmitting pain signals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Candidates for Intracept must meet three criteria: 1.) Chronic lower back pain for at least six months. 2.) Insufficient results from conservative measures like chiropractic care, yoga, medication, injections, and physical therapy. 3.) Modic changes in the vertebral endplates which are visible on MRI and represent inflammation and pain.
The average time for The Intracept Procedures is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The procedure is typically done in an operating room in the hospital or an Ambulatory Surgery Center, with the patient going home later the same day.
Intracept is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the basivertebral nerve for the relief of chronic vertebrogenic low back pain.
- Infection
- Increased back pain
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage