Intracept® Procedure

A Minimally Invasive, Implant-Free Treatment for Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain can have many different causes. For some patients, the source of their pain may be the vertebral endplates—the area where the vertebral body and disc meet.

At ECPC Pain Specialists, we offer the Intracept® Procedure, a minimally invasive treatment designed to target the basivertebral nerve, which can transmit pain signals from damaged vertebral endplates.

What Is Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain?

Not all chronic low back pain comes from the same source.

Vertebrogenic pain originates from the vertebral endplates, which are located between the spinal discs and vertebral bodies. When these structures become damaged or degenerated, they can generate chronic low back pain.

Imaging may show characteristic changes in the vertebral endplates, often referred to as Modic changes, that can help physicians determine whether vertebrogenic pain may be contributing to a patient’s symptoms.

A careful evaluation is important because other conditions—including disc problems, facet joint pain and spinal stenosis—can cause similar symptoms.

What Is the Intracept® Procedure?

The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to target the basivertebral nerve (BVN) inside the vertebral body.

The BVN carries pain signals from the vertebral endplates. During the procedure, your physician uses fluoroscopic X-ray guidance to access the vertebral body and precisely position a specialized probe near the basivertebral nerve.

Radiofrequency energy is then used to ablate the targeted nerve, interrupting its ability to transmit pain signals.

Who May Be a Candidate for Intracept?

Intracept may be considered for appropriately selected patients with chronic low back pain that is believed to be vertebrogenic in origin.

Your physician may consider:

• The duration and characteristics of your low back pain
• Your response to previous conservative treatments
• Findings on MRI or other imaging
• The presence of changes in the vertebral endplates
• Whether your symptoms are consistent with vertebrogenic pain
• Other potential sources of your back pain

Because chronic back pain can have multiple causes, an evaluation is essential to determine whether the basivertebral nerve is an appropriate treatment target.

What Happens During the Intracept Procedure?

The procedure is performed using fluoroscopic X-ray guidance.

After you are positioned and the treatment area is prepared, your physician uses a specialized access instrument to create a pathway through the vertebral body to the basivertebral nerve.

Once the probe is properly positioned, radiofrequency energy is delivered to the nerve. The goal is to interrupt pain signaling from the vertebral endplates.

Intracept is designed to be minimally invasive and implant-free.

Watch: Learn More About Intracept®

Understanding Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain and the Intracept Procedure

Video content can be a helpful way to understand how vertebrogenic pain develops and how the Intracept Procedure works. We’ve included several short educational videos from Boston Scientific below.

What Can I Expect After Intracept?

Intracept is performed as an outpatient procedure. Your physician will provide individualized instructions regarding activity and recovery following treatment.

Clinical studies have evaluated the procedure for durable improvement in pain and function in appropriately selected patients with vertebrogenic chronic low back pain. Individual results vary, and not every patient with chronic low back pain will benefit from the procedure.

Is Intracept Right for Me?

Intracept is specifically designed for vertebrogenic low back pain. It is not intended to treat every type of back pain.

If you have chronic low back pain that has not responded adequately to conservative treatment, our physicians can evaluate your symptoms and imaging to determine whether vertebrogenic pain may be contributing to your condition.

Take the Next Step

If you’ve been living with chronic low back pain and haven’t found lasting relief, there may be another treatment option worth discussing.

Contact ECPC Pain Specialists to schedule a consultation and learn whether the Intracept Procedure may be appropriate for you.