Intracept®
A Breakthrough for Back Pain
Cape Cod Healthcare now offers the Intracept® Procedure, a minimally invasive, outpatient treatment that has been clinically proven to improve function and reduce pain long term in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Its advanced technology targets a nerve located in the vertebrae of the spine utilizing a specialized probe and radiofrequency heat ablation to block nerve pain signals.
The Intracept® Procedure, takes approximately 60 minutes and can be performed under conscious sedation with nerve block instead of general anesthesia. It does not involve an implant or change the structure of the spine.
An Alternative Following Conservative Care
Candidates for the Intracept® Procedure include those who have experienced CLBP for at least six months that has not responded to conservative care and have degenerative changes present on MRI imaging. As it is considered a form of “awake spinal surgery”, it is also an option for those unable to tolerate the effects and risks of general anesthesia, including geriatric patients. This treatment is currently available through Cape Cod Healthcare Neurosurgery and is performed by Paul Houle, MD, FAANS, chief of neurosurgery at Cape Cod Hospital and a nationally recognized awake spine surgery expert.
Clinically Proven Patient Outcomes
Patient outcomes successfully indicate reduction in pain and restoration of function. Results from clinical trials with over 350 patients demonstrated a highly significant difference in pain reduction after 3 months for patients that received the Intracept® Procedure compared to patients that received standard/conservative care. These same patients reported a 53% decrease in pain at their 2-year follow up appointments.
The Intracept® Procedure is the latest example of the comprehensive services, physician expertise and leading-edge technology offered by Cape Cod Healthcare.
