Basivertebral Nerve Ablation

The basivertebral nerve is a nerve found within the bones of the spine, called vertebrae. The basivertebral nerve enters the vertebrae posteriorly and sends nerve branches to the vertebral endplates. Two decades of scientific and clinical research have demonstrated the basivertebral nerve transmits chronic low back pain signals from the vertebral endplates.

Intracept is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the basivertebral nerve for the relief of chronic low back pain. Intracept is an outpatient procedure, which does not involve an implant or change the structure of the spine. Clinical studies have demonstrated nearly immediate relief of patient’s back pain and long-lasting relief.
Access instruments are guided through a small incision (3-5mm) to reach the basivertebral nerve. Radiofrequency energy, or heat, then ablates the basivertebral nerve to stop the transmission of pain signals.

Procedure times vary depending on the number of vertebrae to be treated and the specific patient. The average time of the Intracept procedures performed have been approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Each patient along with their physician determine appropriate recovery time and activities. Most patients that have undergone the Intracept Procedure have been able to resume regular activities within a week or two after the procedure.

Relievant Medsystems developed the Intracept Procedure and sponsored a 225-patient clinical trial that demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of the Intracept Procedure.

Yes, the Intracept System received 510k Clearance.

The indicated patient for the Intracept Procedure is one with chronic low back pain of at least six months duration that has not responded to at least six months of conservative care, and is also accompanied by either Type 1 or Type 2 Modic changes at L3 through S1 on an MRI. Physicians will help determine if the Intracept Procedure is appropriate.

While the Intracept Procedure targets a nerve in the spine and uses radiofrequency energy, or heat, to ablate the nerve, the Intracept Procedure targets the basivertebral nerve within the vertebrae and ablates the basivertebral nerve for the relief of chronic low back pain. Other ablation procedures currently performed for chronic low back pain do not target or ablate the basivertebral nerve, and have not demonstrated long-lasting pain relief.

Unlike spinal fusion, total disc replacement, and spinal cord stimulation, the Intracept Procedure is implant-free and preserves the natural structure of the spine. Average recovery times following the Intracept Procedure are less than reported for spinal fusion and total disc replacement.