In 2006, Relievant Medsystems established the Intracept Procedure designed to relieve vertebrogenic pain.
In this blog, we’ll go into more depth on the Intracept Procedure and answer the following questions:
- What is Relievant Intracept Procedure?
- Who is a good candidate for Intracept Procedure?
- Is the Intracept Procedure the same as radiofrequency ablation?
- How much does the Intracept Procedure cost?
- What are the risks of the Intracept Procedure?
- How long does Intracept Procedure last?
- How does TPC use the Relievant Intracept?
What is Relievant Intracept Procedure?
The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure for patients with chronic lower back pain. It involves heating the basivertebral nerve (BVN) using a radiofrequency probe to cut off pain signals to the brain. The radiofrequency probe is a specialized instrument inserted through a small insertion into the patient’s back to reach the vertebral body. It’s proven highly effective and safe in treating chronic vertebrogenic low back pain and similar conditions.
Who is a Good Candidate for Intracept Procedure?
Those who haven’t found pain relief from traditional treatments and have experienced chronic low-back pain for at least six months are good candidates for the Intracept Procedure. Some common treatments people try before the Intracept Procedure include medication, regenerative therapies, and physical therapy.
The Intracept Procedure isn’t recommended for patients with severe cardiac or pulmonary compromise.
Is the Intracept Procedure the Same as Radiofrequency Ablation?
The Intracept Procedure is also known as Radiofrequency Ablation of the basivertebral nerve. Radiofrequency ablation and the Intracept Procedure are distinct procedures that treat pain conditions using different methods. Radiofrequency ablation uses radiofrequency waves to destroy specific tissues, sending pain signals to the brain. The Intracept Procedure targets the basivertebral nerve responsible for sending pain signals and uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt signals and relieve pain.
How Much Does the Intracept Procedure Cost?
How much a patient pays for the Intracept Procedure depends on their insurance health coverage and the specific hospital or surgery center they do the procedure through. On average, a three-level Intracept Procedure costs between $10,000 to $15,000 in the outpatient setting. Again, this doesn’t consider how much insurance will cover and final costs.
What are the Risks of the Intracept Procedure?
Overall, the Intracept Procedure has proven to be a highly safe and effective treatment method for the relief of chronic pain. Every procedure comes with potential risks, even minimally invasive and outpatient. The risks and complications of the Intracept Procedure include infection, increased back pain, bleeding, and nerve damage.
How Long Does Intracept Procedure Last?
On average, the Intracept Procedure takes one to two hours to complete. Following the procedure, you’ll be monitored as the anesthetic wears off and be able to leave the same day.
How Does TPC Use the Relievant Intracept?
The Pain Center offers the Relievant Intracept through our branded treatment Facet Rhizotomy, “TPC Spine Relief.”
TPC Spine Relief offers two effective solutions for degenerative conditions of the bones. The first solution involves radiofrequency ablation or endoscopic rhizotomy to target the medial branch nerves in the facet joints. In contrast, the second solution is the Intracept Procedure, which focuses on the basivertebral nerve in the vertebral bodies. These procedures specifically address the pain sensation caused by degenerative facet joints or vertebral bodies and are unrelated to the leg’s feeling or strength.
The spine consists of various components, including the vertebral bodies separated by discs and the facet joints at the back. Degenerative changes in these joints can be as painful as knee or hip osteoarthritis.
In cases where any vertebral body is impacted, the Intracept Procedure can be performed to destroy the basivertebral nerve, alleviating axial pain. Facet joint rhizotomy (radiofrequency ablation) uses electrical currents to destroy nerve fibers carrying pain signals from damaged facet joints to the brain. Patients with chronic neck, arm, low back, or leg pain from facet joint damage may be considered candidates for facet joint injections.
Unlike the conventional method of placing a heated needle near the affected area, we visually locate the nerve, clip it, burn it, and effectively eliminate it. This advanced visualization method sets TPC Spine Relief apart, ensuring a more thorough treatment process. Moreover, this procedure is minimally invasive, involving only a tiny incision typically considered outpatient, and can be completed within 15 to 30 minutes. TPC Spine Relief is an exceptional choice for individuals with degenerative facet disease.
