The IDET^◊ procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Local anesthesia and mild sedation are typically used to reduce discomfort, but the patient remains responsive to provide verbal feedback to the physician conducting the procedure. The entire process is guided by fluoroscopic imaging to ensure accurate positioning of the catheter.

• A 17 gauge introducer needle (cannula) is inserted into the disc until its tip rests in the nucleus pulposus.
• The navigable SPINECATH^◊ Intradiscal Catheter is then inserted into the cannula and carefully pushed until it penetrates the pliant inner layers of the anulus fibrosus. The 2 cm tip of the catheter is flexible and contains a heating element.
• The operator eases the catheter around the inner circumference of the anulus toward the area of disc injury.
• Properly positioned, the catheter spans the rear portion of the disc, and the thermal tip lies in close proximity to the area of injury.The procedure normally takes 30-60 minutes per disc treated.

The tip of the inserter needle (cannula) is positioned in the middle of the disc nucleus.

 

With the cannula in place, the SPINECATH◊ catheter is inserted and guided around the inner circumference of the anulus until the tip is positioned to deliver heat to the region of anular injury.

While the precise mechanism of action remains unknown, it has been shown that the application of heat to damaged disc tissue produces the therapeutic effects of the IDET^◊ procedure. For more information see Proposed Mechanism of Action.