Procedures

Nucleoplasty®

Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure for patients with symptoms associated with a contained disc herniation who have failed conservative care and are not yet candidates for major surgery. Nucleoplasty is performed with SpineWand® surgical devices, which use ArthroCare's patented Coblation® (controlled ablation) technology. For more information click here.

Microdiscectomy

The advantages of microdiscectomy or mini open discectomy are well established. The MD Spinewand is the next advancement in minimally invasive tissue removal.

The MD SpineWand surgical device provides rapid and controlled removal of disc material using ArthroCare’s patented Coblation technology while preserving the integrity of surrounding tissue. With a distal tip diameter of less than 2.5 mm, the MD SpineWand requires a minimal annulotomy versus mechanical instruments. Please contact us for more information on the MD SpineWand.

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Percutaneous Verteboplasty

Since inception, Parallax products have been designed with leaders in the field to help treat patients safely and effectively. Parallax was the first full product line created exclusively for vertebroplasty and bone biopsy. Acquired by ArthroCare in 2004, Parallax has continued to set the standard for innovation and safety in interventional spine procedures today, as it has for over 8 years. Our line of leading products for treating vertebral compression fractures includes: cement delivery systems (fully-integrated and open), “Bulls-eye” needles (8G, 11G and 13G with various types of stylets), patented, FDA cleared acrylic bone cements (using both tantalum and barium sulfate opacifiers), patient prep kits, and bone biopsy kits. For detailed information please visit www.parallaxmed.com

Vertebral Body Bone Biopsy

The Parallax Core-Assure product line was designed by physicians for physicians and is both convenient and cost effective. Core-Assure can save time, reduce procedure costs and improve patient satisfaction. Unique features include:

• Radiolucent handles and ergonomic design of our Clear-View line of needles with “Bull’s eye” imaging—which improves placement.
• Innovative tip design for improved core tissue sample quality and capture.
• Vertebral body access maintained after tissue sample has been removed.
• Blunt tip stylet included in each kit
• Available in 11G in three tip configurations Soft-Tissue Removal (within the spine)

Soft Tissue Removal (within the Spine) 

The Cavity™ Spinewand surgical device precisely removes soft-tissue using patented plasma technology (Coblation – or controlled ablation) and can be used with additional procedures such as cement injection for vertebral body stabilization. This device is available with 8G and 11G access cannulae for ease of use.

In the presence of the affected soft tissue, traditional vertebroplasty can be more difficult and challenging and has resulted in slightly higher complication rates. The use of a Coblation based device to debulk or partially remove soft tissue prior to the injection of bone cement offers an advancement in patient care. By precisely removing tissue, as opposed to balloon displacement as a means of creating a space has advantages, the potential for tumor cell embolization may be reduced and the risk of tissue or fragment retropulsion into the spinal cord may be minimized.