Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET) is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure used to treat patients with chronic low back pain that is caused by tears or small herniations of their lumbar discs.

Procedure preparation

• A CDI technologist or nurse will contact you 24-48 hours prior to your appointment to review medications you are currently taking, especially pain medications and blood thinners, discuss known allergies and your medical history, as well as answer your questions.
  
• Contact your doctor before you stop taking any medication.
  
• Please bring to CDI previous imaging study results (MRI, CT, x-rays) such as films, reports, or CD-ROMs, if available.
  
• You will need a driver for your appointment. If you are unable to drive or arrange transportation, call us for assistance.
  
• Please notify a member of CDI’s staff if you are nursing or if there is a chance you may be pregnant.

During the procedure – what to expect

• IDET is generally performed in an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) or local surgery center, where we're able to offer I.V. sedation and monitoring by a nurse.
  
• You will lie on your stomach on a cushioned table. The radiologist will numb a small area of skin using a local anesthetic, which will sting for several seconds.
  
• A cannula (hollow needle) is placed into the lumbar disc under x-ray-guidance (fluoroscopy).
  
• An electrothermal catheter (heating wire) is passed through the needle and positioned in the disc where it is heated causing cauterization and decompression of the disc material.
  
• This treatment can potentially contract the fibers making up the disc wall, closing any tears, and burning the tiny nerve endings in the disc making them less sensitive to pain.
  
• The catheter is removed along with the needle and, after a short period of observation, the patient goes home.

After the procedure – what to expect

• CDI will provide patient with activity and physician rehabilitation guidelines.
  
• A lumbar support is worn for 6 to 8 weeks, followed by an appropriate course of physical therapy. Lifting and bending precautions are necessary during this time to allow for adequate healing of the disc.
  
• Adult supervision is necessary for the remainder of the day due to the effects of sedation.
  
• Increased symptoms may occur for 7-10 days due to procedure.
  
• Prescription medications may be given to relieve these symptoms.

Possible side effects
Complications are rare, but patients are encouraged to keep a record of any symptoms following the procedure and report them to the radiologist at the time of the follow-up visit, usually 7 to 14 days after the procedure.

Questions?
If you have additional questions about your appointment or our services, contact your local CDI center.