Spine Surgery Procedures
PERCUTANEOUS
DISCECTOMY
A hernia is a common disorder that occurs when the intervertebral discs nucleus pulposus becomes dislodged from its natural position inside the annulus fibrosus. Most annulus fibrosus lesions are the result of repeated microtraumas or a major trauma that degenerates to allow the nucleus pulposus to bulge and compress a nerve and/or its surrounding tissues, causing pain in the back and the legs. When conservative treatment fails and symptoms persist or worsen, surgical treatment is considered.
With DISKOM™, pressure on nerve roots or surrounding tissues can be reduced by removing disc herniation through a minimally invasive procedure.
DISKOM™ is made up of two elements: an access needle with both distal and side openings, and a titanium cochlear tip for the mechanical removal of the nucleus pulposus. The great advantage of this device is that the cochlea is tightly connected, so it is almost impossible for it to detach: this is an advantage that is surely a unique feature of this system.
It is a mechanical removal procedure. It does not make use of either radiofrequency or laser. The wide side opening enables the removal of up to 2cc of disc material. The basic principle uses an Archimedes’ screw or cochlea. The Archimedes’ screw works best with fluid or granular material.
Percutaneos discectomy benefits with DISKOM™
- Annular integrity preservation
- Total procedure time: 10 to 15 minutes
- Up to 2 cc of disc material removed
- Suitable for a bioptic procedure
- Available for thoracolumbar and cervical spine
- Totally single-use device
- No further equipment needed
8. No capital investment required
9. No thermal damage to the nerve roots
10. Percutaneous access → totally MIS procedure
11. Fast recovery after treatment
12. Just local anaesthesia needed
13. Fast discharge of the patient
Patient selection
- Radicular pain
- MRI consistent with contained disc herniation
- MRI demonstrating 50% preserved disc height
- Failed conservative treatment
- Facet pain excluded
- Discogram and post-disco CT consistent with the above (optional)
surgical procedure
1.
NEEDLE POSITIONING
Under fluoroscopic guidance, insert the access needle into the target disc space. If needed, inject contrast liquid through the cannula to verify correct positioning.
2.
PROBE INSERTION
Remove the stylet and introduce the DISKOM™ probe through the cannula. Secure the collection chamber to the access needle using the Luer-lock connection.
3.
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
Switch on the probe to initiate the mechanical action necessary for nucleus removal.
4.
MECHANICAL FRAGMENTATION
Move the probe backwards and forward for 2–3 minutes, combining the motion with gentle rotation to break down the nucleus material.
5.
MATERIAL COLLECTION
The nucleus material is aspirated and collected either in the collection chamber or along the probe stylet during the procedure.
6.
DEVICE REMOVAL
Once the decompression is complete, switch off the probe and carefully remove the entire device.
