PERCUTANEOUS DISKECTOMY PROCEDURE USING A LASER

摘要

A PERCUTANEOUS DISKECTOMY PROCEDURE USING A LASER Jordan K. Davis Peter S. Hertzmann The procedure for performing a percutaneous diskectomy using a laser comprises the steps of applying a laser beam generally along a first line to a herniated disk area, and applying a laser beam generally along a second line different from said first line to the herniated disc area. The first and second lines along which a laser beam is applied are paths through which the laser beam is guided by an optical guiding means. According to the procedure, percutaneous diskectomy n be performed readily as an outpatient procedure having minimal recovery requirements or restrictions. The procedure time is decreased overall by 10-20 minutes because nucleus pulposus is vaporized and does not require removal with forceps or suction.