INTRADISCAL ELECTROTHERMAL THERAPY (IDET)

This minimally-invasive procedure is designed to alleviate the effects of low back pain caused by annular tears or small disc herniations. The IDET procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. The patient is kept comfortable during the hour long procedure with the use of local anesthesia and intravenous sedation to reduce discomfort.

Needle Inserted

After the affected disc level is located, the doctor uses live x-ray imaging to guide a hollow needle into the disc.

Heating Wire Inserted

An electrothermal catheter, or heating wire, is then inserted through the needle an maneuvered to find the damaged portion of the disc.

Disc Wall Treated

The temperature of the heating catheter is slowly increased to 195 degrees Fahrenheit (90 degrees Celsius), raising the temperature of the damaged disc wall.

Tears Shrink

The heat shrinks and repairs the tears in the disc wall area. Small nerve endings are also cauterized, or burned, to make them less sensitive. The patient may feel some mild discomfort during the procedure, which is an indication that the heat is being applied to the appropriate area.

End of Procedure

The catheter and needle are removed. The insertion area in the skin is covered with a bandage.