The procedure is performed under x-ray guidance to accurately place a needle into the disc. Using this minimally invasive approach, a small pathway is made into the disc and a precisely engineered device, known as a SpineWand surgical device, is then inserted through the needle into the center of the disc. The device utilizes Coblation technology to dissolve tissue while preserving nearby healthy tissue.
The removal of nucleus tissue relieves pressure on the protective ring around the disc or annulus, typically allowing the bulge to recede, so that the disc no longer irritates the nearby nerve root. Normally, the entire procedure takes less than an hour, and the patient can leave the medical facility one to two hours later, with no overnight hospital stay required.