Paper
10 June 2003 Evaluation of cadaveric lumbar spine temperature distributions during nucleoplasty
Author Affiliations +
Abstract
This study investigated the contribution of applied thermal energy during the nucleoplasty procedure by obtaining temperature maps throughout human cadaveric disc specimens (n=5) during a simulated treatment protocol. The procedure was performed using the ArthroCare SpineWand RF-Coblation device inserted through a 17 g needle into the cadaveric disc. The device uses a dual mode heating technique which employs a high voltage RF plasma field to vaporize tissue, followed by RF current heating for thermal coagulation. The device is manipulated to create a series of 6 channels at a 60 degree angular spacing within a period of 3 minutes. A computer-controlled, motorized translational system was used to mimic the insertion (coblation) and retraction (rf-coagulation) performed during clinical implementation. Rotation was performed manually between each coblation/rf-coagulation cycle. Transient temperature data were obtained using five multi-junction thermocouple probes (5 to 6- 0.05 mm diameter junctions spaced at either 2 or 5 mm) spaced throughout the desired heating volume. Temperature distributions and accumulated thermal doses calculated from the temperature-time history were used to define probable regions of thermal coagulation. Intra-discal temperatures of 60-65C were measured within 2 to 3 mm radial distance from the introducer with therapeutic thermal doses of >250 EM43C achieved at radial distances of up to 5 mm from the introducer. Although appreciable regions of thermal coagulation within the nucleus are localized around the applicator, improper placement of the applicator during treatment may also generate undesirable hot spots in the bone endplate.
© (2003) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
William H. Nau and Chris J. Diederich "Evaluation of cadaveric lumbar spine temperature distributions during nucleoplasty", Proc. SPIE 4954, Thermal Treatment of Tissue: Energy Delivery and Assessment II, (10 June 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.476623
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KEYWORDS
Temperature metrology

Spine

Computing systems

Tissues

Breast

Thermometry

Bone

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