Intracept Procedure

Intracept Procedure Q & A

What is the Intracept procedure?

Intracept is a minimally invasive procedure to treat chronic lower back pain that originates in the basivertebral nerve within the vertebrae of the spine. 

This nerve travels through the vertebrae of your spinal column and provides sensations to the upper and lower surfaces of the vertebral body. Damage to the basivertebral nerve from injury or aging can lead to chronic back pain that’s difficult to treat.

During the Intracept procedure, your Republic Pain and Spine surgeon uses radiofrequency (RF) ablation technology to target the specific nerve. RF energy damages the nerve to prevent pain signals from traveling through to the brain.

After an Intracept procedure, many people enjoy long-lasting pain relief and improved lumbar (lower) spine function.

When should I consider treatment with the Intracept procedure?

The Intracept procedure may be a treatment option for you if you have chronic pain in your lower back for at least six months and medications or other pain-relieving therapies aren’t working.

Your Republic Pain and Spine surgeon also requests magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine if damage in your vertebral endplates is causing chronic inflammation that irritates the basivertebral nerve.

Intracept procedures are effective for adults 18 and older who need lasting relief from chronic lower back pain. You may not be a candidate if you have a pacemaker or other electronic implant device, are pregnant, or have cardiac or pulmonary function conditions.

What happens during an Intracept procedure?

Intracept procedures are available on an outpatient basis, so you can go home soon after your treatment is complete.

During your procedure, your Republic Pain and Spine surgeon provides you with general anesthesia to keep you calm and comfortable. He uses fluoroscopic (real-time X-ray) technology to guide the Intracept Introducer cannula assembly into your spine. The device creates a channel to access your basivertebral nerve.

Your surgeon then inserts the Intracept RF probe into the channel and places it at the trunk of the targeted nerve. He uses the Intracept RF generator to deliver radiofrequency energy into the nerve to heat and destroy it.

After your treatment is over, you can expect to spend some time in recovery before you go home to rest. The providers continue to monitor your recovery and treatment results during follow-up visits to the office.

Call the Republic Spine and Pain office nearest you to find out if you’re a candidate for the Intracept procedure or book an appointment online today.