Video credit: Relievant Medsystems
What is the Intracept procedure?
The Intracept procedure 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. The procedure is intended to provide relief for patients with chronic low back pain who have not responded to more conservative treatments. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes about an hour to complete. Recovery time can vary but most patients are able to return to normal activities within a few days.
Who performs this procedure?
The Intracept procedure is typically performed by an interventional pain management physician or an orthopedic spine surgeon. These are doctors who have specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain conditions and are experienced in using minimally invasive techniques to provide pain relief. They may work in a hospital or in an outpatient clinic. They will work with other medical professionals such as anesthesiologists, nurses, and radiologic technologists to ensure that the procedure is performed safely and effectively.
Where does chronic low back pain come from?
Chronic low back pain can have a variety of causes. Some common causes include:
- Musculoskeletal problems: such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis.
- Soft tissue problems: such as sprains and strains of the muscles and ligaments in the back.
- Degenerative conditions: such as osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis, which can lead to the narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of nerve roots.
- Psychological factors: such as stress, anxiety, and depression, which can contribute to the development of chronic pain.
- Structural problems: such as scoliosis, a condition where the spine has an abnormal curvature, can also cause chronic low back pain.
- Other medical conditions: such as fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, and inflammatory conditions.
It’s important to note that chronic low back pain is usually not caused by a specific injury or underlying medical condition, but rather a combination of risk factors, such as age, genetics, lifestyle, and occupation.
How many people suffer from chronic low back pain in the US?
Chronic low back pain is a common condition in the United States, with estimates suggesting that it affects a large portion of the population. Studies show that around 80% of people will experience low back pain at some point in their lives, and of those, 20-30% will have chronic low back pain.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) data brief of 2020, the prevalence of chronic low back pain among U.S. adults increased from 19.1% in the period of 2013-2016 to 20.4% in 2017-2020. Similarly, the prevalence of low back pain in the past 3 months increased from 15.3% to 16.4% during the same period.
It’s also worth noting that chronic low back pain is one of the most common reasons for people to miss work and seek medical attention. It’s a leading cause of disability and can greatly impact a person’s quality of life.
Who developed the intracept procedure?
The Intracept procedure was developed by a company called Vertos Medical, Inc. Vertos Medical is a medical device company that specializes in developing minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of chronic low back pain. The company was founded in 2005 and is based in California, USA. The procedure was developed by a team of physicians, scientists, and engineers, who spent several years researching and testing the technology before it was made available to patients. The procedure received FDA clearance for use in the United States in 2016 and since then, it has been performed by trained physicians in several centers across the country.
Is the Intracept procedure safe?
The Intracept procedure is considered to be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with chronic low back pain who have not responded to more conservative treatments. The procedure is minimally invasive and does not involve the use of general anesthesia or the removal of any tissue, which reduces the risk of complications.
Like any medical procedure, the intracept procedure may be associated with certain risks and complications. Some of the reported complications are minor and temporary, such as pain, swelling, or bleeding at the site of the procedure. Serious complications, such as nerve damage, infection, or bleeding are rare.
However, it is important to note that the procedure is not suitable for everyone and not all patients will experience the same results. The procedure’s safety and effectiveness can vary depending on a patient’s medical history, overall health, and the underlying cause of their pain. It’s important to have a thorough evaluation and discussion with a qualified physician before considering the intracept procedure.
Overall, the intracept procedure has shown promising results and has been considered as a viable option for patients with chronic low back pain but more long-term studies are needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness in the long run.
Is there another name for the Intracept procedure?
The Intracept procedure is also known as the “Intracept Radiofrequency Ablation” or “Intracept RFA” procedure. 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. The procedure is intended to provide relief for patients with chronic low back pain who have not responded to more conservative treatments. It’s important to note that the procedure is only done by trained physicians and the name may vary depending on the center or facility.
What does ablation mean?
Ablation refers to the removal or destruction of tissue or cells by various means. In the case of the Intracept procedure, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used to destroy the nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joints in the spine. RFA uses high-frequency radio waves to generate heat at a specific target site, causing damage to the nerve cells and preventing them from sending pain signals to the brain.
RFA is a common procedure that has been used in various medical fields such as cardiology, oncology and now pain management. It has been considered as a safe and effective method for treating chronic pain conditions.
It’s important to note that the procedure is not suitable for everyone and not all patients will experience the same results. It’s important to have a thorough evaluation and discussion with a qualified physician before considering the intracept procedure.
How can I learn more?
If you are interested in learning more about the Intracept procedure, there are a few ways to get more information:
- Talk to your doctor: Your primary care physician or a pain management specialist can provide more information about the procedure and help you determine if it’s the right option for you.
- Visit the website of Vertos Medical, the company that developed the procedure. They have detailed information about the procedure, its indications, results, and testimonials from patients and physicians who have undergone the procedure.
- Research studies: Many studies have been conducted on the Intracept procedure, and you can find them by searching online databases such as PubMed, or ClinicalTrials.gov. These studies provide more detailed information about the procedure, its results, and its risks and benefits.
- Join support groups: there are support groups and patient forums online where you can find people who have undergone the procedure and share their experience, you can also ask questions and get advice from people who have undergone the procedure.
It’s important to remember that the Intracept procedure is not suitable for everyone and not all patients will experience the same results. It’s important to have a thorough evaluation and discussion with a qualified physician before considering the procedure.
