ACUTHERM™
Decompression Catheter
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Targeted Disc Decompression (TDD) is possible due to the ACUTHERM◊ Decompression Catheter, a device that features a heating coil designed to treat the herniation directly at the site.
This one of a kind technique offers a more focused treatment as well as improved navigation and placement.
Unlike alternative treatments that target the center of the affected disc, TDD focuses on the actual herniation itself.
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Post-Operative, 3 months |
Pre-Operative |
Post-Operative, 3 months |
TDD uses thermal energy to treat patients with contained herniated discs who have failed to respond to more conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication and rest.
The chart above illustrates the significant reduction in Visual Analog Pain Scores (VAS) scores for both back and leg pain resulting from treatment with the procedure.
Also pictured (above) are actual pre- and post-operative MRI images showing a noticeable decrease in the size of the herniation. In a clinical study performed at a leading medical institution, the average decrease in disc herniation was 1.7 mm.3
The ACUTHERM◊ Decompression Catheter, in conjunction with the Smith & Nephew ELECTROTHERMAL◊ 20S Spine System, is used to perform Targeted Disc Decompression. Thanks to this system's special features, along with a patented navigation method that ensures close proximity to the target tissue, patients who suffer back and leg pain resulting from contained herniated discs now have an effective, minimally invasive treatment option.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that TDD may result in a reduction of the size of herniations in the disc and a decrease in the severity of back and leg pain suffered by patients.
An analysis of discs following treatment with TDD (right) shows the dramatic decrease in the mass and volume of nucleus pulposus tissue.2
The underlying science of TDD involves the application of heat energy at controlled levels to coagulate the collagen in he disc, causing tissue contraction and a reduced herniation. The ultimate goal is relief of pain for the patient.
Cadaveric studies indicate temperatures of at least 65° C can be achieved in regions up to 5 mm from the catheter. Further data is provided in the chart above.
The result is a reproducible method for collagen contraction.1
Inclusion
Contained disc herniation < 6mm
Leg pain greater > back pain
Mixed pattern of back and leg pain
Failed conservative therapy
Exclusion
Extruded or sequestered disc
Disc height < 50%
Spinal stenosis
Spinal fracture or tumor
Segmental instability
Prior surgery at index level
1. Report: Thermal Mapping of Discs Treated with the Smith & Nephew Decompression Catheter.
Data on file with Smith & Nephew.
2. Volumetric Reduction of Bovine Intervertebral Discs with the useof an Intradiscal Decompression Catheter. Michael Schaufele MD, Nigel Andrews PhD, James Huckle PhD, International Spinal Injection Society, 2004. Accepted for presentation.
3. Patient Outcome and MRI findings following treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniations with Electrothermal Disc Decompression. Michael Schaufele, MD, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. and David Appleby, MPH, Smith & Nephew, Andover, MA. Data on file at Smith & Nephew, Andover, MA.
