The nucleoplasty device is a catheter that creates a small, highly localized plasma field. This catheter is percutaneously inserted into the intervertebral disc through a stylet. The location is confirmed using fluoroscopy. In nucleoplasty the catheter is activated and gentle movements are made to the catheter as it lies within the disc space. In this way, small amounts of disc material may be ablated within the disc space and disc decompression may be effected.

The nucleoplasty technique is percutaneous and does not require any incision. It is most useful in patients with nerve root irritation due to smaller disc bulges or contained ruptures.

Nucleoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Local anesthesia and mild sedation may be used to reduce discomfort during the procedure. Nucleoplasty patients will be awake to provide important feedback to the physician.

With the guidance of x-ray images, the physician first advances a needle into the disc. A specialized device known as a SpineWand™, will then be introduced through the needle into the disc. Therapy consists of creating a series of channels in your disc and then thermally treating the tissue immediately adjacent to the wand. The nucleoplasty process usually takes approximately one hour.

(Left) Access needle and SpineWand in disc; (middle) close-up view; (right) illustration of disc with multiple channels created.

Who may benefit from nucleoplasty therapy?

Patients with contained disc herniations may benefit from this therapy. Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure developed for these patients, combining disc decompression with thermal treatment.