Patient reviews and testimonials on this site should not be interpreted as a statement on the effectiveness of our treatments for anyone else. The Intracept Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System (Intracept System) is comprised of two sterile, single -use components: The Intracept Access Instruments include introducers, cannulas and stylets that provide access to the intended site of radiofrequency (RF) ablation. Ive stopped nuking important nerves in my patients to buy them some relief gave it up for good! Ablate the BVN The Relievant Radiofrequency Generator is utilized to ablate the basivertebral nerve The Intracept Procedure Indications Chronic low back pain of at least 6 months duration; and As such an ER (Endoscopic Rhizotomy) procedure is performed if the RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation) procedure fails to provide long-term relief. Pain in your neck, back and knee. They were able to get me in within a week. Using a minimally-invasive, transpedicular approach, the procedure aims to relieve pain associated with chronic low back pain by denervating the nociceptive (pain-sensing) nerves within the vertebral body via radiofrequency ablation. Radiofrequency ablation (or RFA) can be used to help patients with chronic (long-lasting) low-back and neck pain and pain related to the degeneration of joints from arthritis. However, with all of the new platelet and stem-cell-based options for the spine, it seems like this new RFA disc treatment has arrived very late to the party. Once the probe is positioned at the precise location of the basivertebral nerve, radiofrequency energy (heat) is emitted from the probe to effectively disable . The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure for patients with vertebrogenic pain. Whats fascinating in RFA is that, at least in the neck, I still cant find a single study where someone has looked at this issue long-term (i.e., what happens to the neck joints of long-term-treated RFA patients). Background: Radiofrequency (RF) denervation, an invasive treatment for chronic low back pain (CLBP), is used most often for pain suspected to arise from facet joints, sacroiliac (SI) joints or discs. This is why early diagnosis and seeking appropriate treatment are essential. This lesion blocks or interrupts pain signals being sent from the targeted nerve. Candidates for the Intracept procedure must exhibit the following criteria: Chronic back pain for at least 6 months, Ineffective results after trying several nonsurgical treatment options (i.e. Intracept is a minimally invasive procedure that integrates two decades of scientific research on the basivertebral nerve and its role in CLBP. Your provider will examine you and order X-rays or other imaging tests that are typically ordered to see your anatomy, determine the level of arthritis or other spine injury and rule out any other causes. Relievant Medsystems, Inc. Corporate Headquarters7201 Metro Blvd #300Edina, MN 55439650-368-1000, Development and Operations Well follow up two to four weeks after the procedure to make sure the procedure site has healed and to see how youre feeling. You may still feel soreness, pain or muscle spasms at the treatment site for a few days. Our primary goal is to get you back to your daily life with more pain-free days and improved function. How long does the procedure take? To find out whether you might benefit from Intracept, call 214-645-2225 or request an appointment online. Intracept, a radiofrequency nerve ablation, is the only FDA-approved procedure for vertebrogenic low back pain. Your provider will perform a test, called a diagnostic block, to confirm the source and level of your pain, which can then predict the potential level of your pain relief. Twirl, interrupted: Ballroom dancer finds graceful way to overcome chronic back pain, Back and Spine; Effect of Radiofrequency Denervation on Pain Intensity Among Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: The Mint Randomized Clinical Trials [published correction appears in JAMA. Reduce the number of pain medications taken. MKT 0327 Rev. Our mission is to provide you with comprehensive pain management treatment options to better manage your pain to improve your quality of life. They scheduled my appointment very quickly so that I can get to help that I needed immediately instead of like most places having to wait two to three weeks to get in I called and was able to be seen the next day. It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a radiofrequency ablation device to target the nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joints in the spine. See Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Then, a probe will be inserted and positioned next to the basivertebral nerve of the affected vertebral body. This treatment uses radiofrequency energy to interrupt nerves from carrying pain signals from damaged discs in the spine to the brain. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. The full-time faculty of more than 2,900 is responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and is committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat to destroy tissue. The Intracept procedure specifically treats vertebrogenic pain, which is pain caused by damage to the vertebral endplates from everyday wear and tear. An incision is made over the lower spine and the vertebral body is approached through the pedicle with the help of an introducer cannula. During the procedure, the physician makes a small incision to insert a probe into the vertebral body. The downside of RFA is that were destroying tissue (1). McGraw Hill; 2019. A specialized probe is then run through the channel and placed directly next to the nerve. Pain relief can be immediate in some people, occur within 10 days in other people or may take up to three weeks in others. It was long thought that low-back pain was largely due to trouble in the discs, the cushions that separate each of the spines bones (vertebrae) from each other. Consensus practice guidelines on interventions for lumbar facet joint pain from a multispecialty, international working group. The probe uses radiofrequency. "This procedure has the potential to provide relief to a large group of patients for whom there is no well . You will lie face down for the procedure. This procedure is done by using a small incision sight and a few stitches. RFA is another minimally invasive procedure that's intended to reduce nerve-based back pain. Rather than modifying your life around your pain symptoms, the Intracept procedure spine treatment provides safe, effective, and long-lasting results that can significantly improve your quality of life. The bad news is that I knew I was destroying tissue to do it and that this would eventually come back to haunt the patient. Pediatrics, Back and Spine; Before this treatment was available, it was a challenge to provide a solid treatment option for my patients who suffered from chronic back pain from degenerative endplates, said Dr. Patel. Many (uncontrolled) studies have shown substantial variation in its use between countries and continued uncertainty regarding its effectiveness. I go to the Hagerstown location, everyone is very nice, The entire staff from the folks at the front desk to the Nurse, to the Physicians Assistant to the scribe that records the visit for the doctor - (great idea so the Doctor can focus on the patient!!! Having Intracept also will not preclude you from having a future spine procedure. In other words, the Intracept procedure does not treat all forms of back pain, only vertebrogenic pain. Now a new low-back-disc RFA device has just received FDA approval, and thats a problem as my patients will now be getting the same destructive procedure believing that this is helping their disc, when in fact the opposite is likely occurring. While the Intracept procedure targets pain coming from the endplate, he cautioned that many patients have more than one source of back pain, including joint pain and disc pain, that would require other treatments. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this office. After transitioning from a pain and spine doctor in Columbia, MD.. Yes, the health plan should cover the proposed treatment. At Pain and Spine Specialists we have a premier team of Intracept specialists in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia who can help relieve your chronic pain. Have severe pain, redness or swelling at the needle insertion site. One study in particular found that 38% of patients reported being pain-free, and 69% of patients reported a reduction in pain by at least 50% one-year post-treatment. New Patient Appointment The intracept procedure is a new minimally invasive surgical procedure that is clinically proven to drastically decrease chronic low back pain up to 24 months. Dr. Rao makes you feel very comfortable at all times. The Intracept procedure is a safe and effective procedure that provides long-term pain relief. Radiofrequency ablation is not considered a surgery. Vertebrogenic pain is pain caused by damage to the vertebral endplates (the top and bottom edges of the vertebrae in the front portion of the spinal column). When I first learned how to use RFA to treat chronic neck pain due to damaged facet joints in the neck, it was a pretty neat tool to have. Radiofrequency denervation for chronic low back pain. Intracept is a relatively painless treatment, Frieden said. Orthopaedics and Rehab, Next Article This burning (ablation) of the affected nerves helps stop pain signals from traveling to the brain. Ablating the nerve stops the pain signals, resulting in reduced or eliminated low back pain. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. All content provided in this blog, website, or any linked materials, including text, graphics, images, patient profiles, outcomes, and information, are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. After a day or two, you can return to your normal activities, including bathing or showering. Approximately 80% of people will experience low-back pain at some point in their lives, and 20% of those people develop chronic low-back pain, meaning it lasts 12 weeks or longer. Candidates for Intracept must meet three criteria: Even then, it may take some extra work to persuade your insurer. The Intracept Procedure is indicated for patients who have had chronic low back pain for at least six months, who have tried conservative care for at least six months, and whose MRI shows features consistent with Modic changes indicating damage at the vertebral endplates has led to inflammation. Search Conditions & Treatments The goals of radiofrequency ablation are to: Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat: Radiofrequency ablation uses heat produced from radio waves to target diseased tissue. The Intracept Procedure is indicated for patients who have had chronic low back pain for at least six months, who have tried conservative care for at least six months, and whose MRI shows features consistent with Modic changes - indicating damage at the vertebral endplates has led to inflammation. Two small nerves, called medial branch nerves, are connected to the facet joints and send a signal to your brain that there is pain coming from these joints. The Intracept Procedure is also contraindicated in patients who are skeletally immature which generally means individuals under the age of 18 are not candidates. Pain Institute of Long Island,Rockville Center, NY, If I see people with Modic changes I say, 'that's probably where your back pain is coming from. Home Blog Radiofrequency Ablation for Back Pain Reviews: Is It a Good Idea? If youve been suffering from chronic vertebrogenic pain, the Intracept procedure can be an effective treatment with many great advantages. While this can be frustrating for chronic vertebrogenic pain sufferers, the Intracept procedure offers effective, long-lasting results. I took my mom, and everyone was absolutely so sweet and kind. The current destroys that area of the nerve, stopping it from sending pain signals to your brain. In the RF ablation arm, 74 . Find a Location, Appointment Texas Spine and Scoliosis is one . Radiofrequency ablation, also called rhizotomy, is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to reduce or stop the transmission of pain. doi:10.1097/BSD.0000000000000107, (2) Juch JNS, Maas ET, Ostelo RWJG, et al. I was helping my mom find a place for her arthritis pain, and I explained to them how bad it was. Most patients can resume normal activities after a brief recovery period, though we may recommend avoiding specific movements or strenuous activity such as weightlifting for a few days.