How Electrothermal Catheter Therapy Works

Inside the disk

First, a needle is inserted into the disk. Then a special flexible wire (catheter) is threaded through the needle, so that it curves around the inside of the disk. When the catheter is in place, part of it is next to the damage in the disk.

Heating the disk

Once the catheter is in place, it's heated slowly to a high temperature. The catheter is kept at that temperature for a few minutes. Then it's removed. The heat may deaden nerves in the disk, preventing these nerves from causing pain. The heat may also make the disk shrink. This may mean that the disk no longer presses on nerves. The heated tissue will slowly heal over the next few months and form scar tissue. This scar tissue may:

• Plug any leak in the disk

• Make the disk stronger

  

Risks and possible complications

The risks and complications of electrothermal catheter therapy include:

• Bleeding

• Spinal fluid leak

• Infection

• Nerve damage

• Worsened pain after recovery

• No improvement of pain