New catheter technique for the spine

The main difference between this method of treatment and other pain treatments with catheters is the special capability made possible by a further developed elastic catheter equipped with a small probe enabling exact treatment of the affected nerve root.

The racz catheter in Dr.Schneiderhan´s clinic

As early as 1997, Dr. Schneiderhan's clinic was one of the first European centers to utilize this technique developed in the USA. Dr. Schneiderhan further developed Prof. Racz' technique. After several thousand operations of this type and personally-conducted scientific studies, this further development has proven to be effective.

The use of the catheter

Under local anesthetic, a special cannula is fed into the epidural space of the spine; in the coccyx by lumbar and thoracic spinal pain; in the upper thoracic spinal region by cervical spinal pain. The specially developed probe is precisely placed near the spinal cord with the aid of an image converter and a contrast intensifier.

Relief for the nerve root

The underlying principle is to relieve the nerve root by reducing swelling and dehydrating the disturbing tissue.
This is often combined with a mechanical solution (adhesiolysis) to the affected nerve root. Through the precise injection of various medications (pain and inflammation inhibiters, and a concentrated saltwater solution), a reduction in the swelled tissue pressing the nerve is achieved by osmotic pressure. Inflammation is reduced, and pain is precisely controlled. The additional injection of a special enzyme solution dissolves scars and blocks near the spinal cord.

Short duration of the operation

The entire operation lasts only 40-60 Minutes. And as quickly as an hour after the treatment, the patient can usually stand up and move around. The inpatient stay lasts usually only three to four days. During this time, the patient receives four additional injections of painkillers, saltwater solution, and enzymes through the catheter while in bed.

Indication

• severe, acute pain caused by protruding disc or herniated disc

• severe chronic pain and nerve root irritations

• post-nucleotomy syndrome (pain following disc surgery)

• postoperative epidural scars, tissue buildup, and fibrosis (scar pain following surgery)

• nerve root irritation/nerve root irritation syndrome caused by mechanical irritation

• hypertrophied ligamentum flavum (enlarged yellow ligament) or hypertrophied vertebral joint

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