1. science
2. medicine
3. surgery

did you know?
Now there’s a new option for patients suffering from
low back and leg (radicular) pain due to contained
disc herniations, especially for those who have failed
conservative treatments and are interested in trying
minimally invasive options prior to considering
traditional back surgery.
Description
The DEKOMPRESSOR® is a single
use disposable discectomy probe
that passes through and works in
conjunction with an introducer
cannula to remove intervertebral
disc nucleus pulposus material.
Joint Replacement
Trauma
Spine
The procedure is called Percutaneous Discectomy.
It is performed under x-ray using local anesthetic
(sometimes with light sedation). It is much less
invasive than traditional surgical treatments.
frequently
asked questions
What type of pain can be treated?
Low back and leg pain due to contained disc herniations.
How does the procedure work?
The DEKOMPRESSOR® discectomy probe removes
disc tissue which may relieve painful pressure on the
surrounding nerves.
Will the procedure hurt?
There should be no pain generated by the
DEKOMPRESSOR® discectomy probe. This advancement
in technology requires only a tiny puncture in the skin;
similar to a simple injection.
How long does the procedure take?
Intended Use
The Dekompressor® Percutaneous
Discectomy Probe is intended for
use in aspiration of disc material
during Percutaneous discectomies
in the lumbar, thoracic and cervical
regions of the spine.
Contraindications
1. Traumatic spinal fracture, infection,
tumor, pregnancy, and severe
co-existing medical disease are
contraindications.
2. The probe is not appropriate for
treating patients who present with
pain originating from structures
other than herniated discs. Patients
presenting with free fragments,
severe bony stenosis, or severely
degenerative discs should be excluded.
3. The procedure should be performed
under local anesthesia or conscious
sedation to allow patient monitoring
for signs of segmental spinal nerve
irritation. General anesthesia is
contraindicated.
4. Patients with severe and rapidly
progressing neurological deficits
should be excluded.
Interventional Pain
Micro Implants
Suffering
from Back Pain?
Orthobiologics
Instruments
DEKOMPRESSOR®
Interventional Pain
Percutaneous
Discectomy Probe
Navigation
Endoscopy
Communications
Patient Handling Equipment
EMS Equipment
Potential Complications
Potential complications include:
infections, bleeding, nerve damage,
worse pain, failure of technique,
paralysis, idiosyncratic reaction,
anaphylaxsis, & death.
The total procedure time is generally 15 minutes to 1 hour.
What physician training is required to perform
this procedure?
Board certification in a specialty such as interventional
pain management, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery,
radiology, or physiatry is typical. Physicians should be
experienced with discography.
To schedule a
consultation,
please contact:
an important advancement
for patients suffering from
low back or leg pain due to
contained disc herniations
Can my pain be cured?
In some cases, pain may be eliminated. In most cases,
percutaneous discectomy followed by appropriate
follow up care will reduce pain to a tolerable level.
For more information, visit
www.dekompressor.com
or contact your local Stryker
Sales Representative.
1000-204-920 Rev. B
Stryker Instruments
4100 East Milham Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49001 USA
t: 269 323 7700 f: 800 999 3811
toll free: 800 253 3210
frequently
asked questions
Before Your Procedure:
What to expect prior to your procedure:
Will the procedure hurt?
The physician will use local anesthetic to numb
the area to be treated, and the patient should
experience minimal discomfort throughout the
procedure. Additional numbing medicine may
be given as determined by the physician.
How long does the procedure take?
The total procedure time will only take on
average 30 minutes.
Can my pain be cured?
Your back or neck may remain painful for about
1-4 days after the procedure. This is usually caused
by muscle spasms and residual effect of the nerve
being ablated. After this period you will begin
to feel the pain relief, which can last anywhere from
9 months to 2 years. The nerves will eventually
regenerate and additional procedures may be required.
• Bring in any recent films, X-rays, MRI’s,
and reports to your physician
• Notify your physician of all current medication
and medical conditions
• Notify your physician of any allergies
to specific medications
• Do not take any blood thinning medication
2 days prior to procedure
• Do not take anti-inflammatory medication
5 days prior to the procedure
• Do not take food or drink 6 hours prior to your
procedure except sips of water for medication
• Arrange for transportation home from a
family member or friend
What to expect on the day
of your procedure:
• The physician will review all current medications,
MRI’s, and films
• Plan to arrive about 1 hour before the procedure
• An IV may be started, once placed the IV will be
able to administer conscious sedation and other
medications if needed
• You will lie on your stomach while the doctor applies
local anesthetic to your back
• The procedure will be performed under fluoroscopy or
live video x-ray to confirm proper needle placement
• You will be awake during the entire procedure
to provide feedback to the physician in order to
ensure the symptomatic area is treated
• Once the needle and electrode are placed correctly,
a small radiofrequency current is sent through the
electrode into the surrounding tissue causing it to heat.
• This step may be repeated for other sites if the
physician deems it necessary
About the cost:
Radiofrequency nerve ablation is covered by most
insurance plans. Co-pays and deductibles will vary
based each plan. Coverage can be discussed with
the facility where the procedure will take place.
Typical Post Procedure
Recommendations:
• The patient will be brought to a recovery room
for approximately 60 minutes, he/she will be
discharged if the recovery is uneventful
• Some initial numbness may be experienced,
afterwards you will experience pain relief
• Plan on limited activity for 24-48 hours after
the procedure
• Your physician may have recommendations
for post-procedure protocol
• Any increased pain during the first few days, due
to tissue wounds or nerve irritation, should subside
shortly after the procedure
• The patient may eat or drink soon after the procedure
• Have a family member or friend drive you home
• Pain medication may be given to treat any
soreness or spasms
• Normal everyday activities may be resumed depending
on the patient and when he/she feels better
• The nerves will eventually regenerate, and the pain
relief may last anywhere from 9 to 14 months or
longer based on the patient. Additional treatment
may be required
• Potential complications may include nerve
irritation, back pain where the needle is inserted,
and leg or back weakness
*This information is not meant to be substituted for the advice provided by a
physician or other medical professional. You should consult with a physician or
medical professional to determine what instructions may be appropriate for you.