The procedure is very similar to provocative discography except for some details. The patient is a
candidate for an I.D.E.T procedure since previously performed provocative discography has
identified one or more discs as the possible source of the back pain. This procedure involves
using a special heating catheter to heat the inside of the disc. This changes the structure of the
protein fibers that form the disc, and can stimulate the body to repair any tears in the disc that are
responsible for the pain. In addition, heating the disc also can damage the pain sensing nerve
endings in the disc, and block pain signals from the disc that the patient would normally feel.
After having the procedure, the patient may have increased pain for a week or so before the pain
begins to subside. It may take around 3 months before maximum relief is achieved.
The patients will receive instructions on what activities and exercises and when they can and cannot do them.
An IV will first be placed and an antibiotic will be started preoperatively. The patient will be placed
prone (face down) on the fluoroscopy table. Lower back will be cleansed with an antiseptic and then
numbed. The doctor will use X-ray to help guide the needle into the disc.
Next, a thin catheter will be inserted through the needle into the disc.
Then, the catheter will heat the disc for about 15 minutes.
The procedure will take about 60 to 90 minutes. A Band-Aid will be applied to each injection site and the
patient will be taken to the recovery area where the nurse will monitor the blood pressure and pulse for
about 20 minutes. A nurse will review the discharge instructions with the patient before going home on the
same day.
