Description

A revolutionary laser fibre that has changed the way contained disc bulge herniation is treated percutaneously using Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression or PLDD.

Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression or PLDD

A revolutionary product, designed to eliminate the potential problem of controlling the usual linear laser. It is engineered to create a controlled amount of laser energy in a controlled area across the distal tip of the 0.4 mm laser fibre, the result is a safe and controlled vapourisation of a part of NP without the risk of penetrating beyond the intended location within the NP.

PLDD is an effective minimally invasive procedure for treatment of contained herniated intervertebral lumbar and cervical discs by reducing intradiscal pressure through laser ablation. This is achieved by inserting a thin laser fibre through a needle cannula into the nucleus pulposus (NP).

Indications and Contraindications 

• Suitable for patients experiencing radicular pain secondary to nerve root compression. This can be due to either paracentral or far-lateral disc. It is also suitable to patients with lateral recess stenosis secondary to discogenic compromise within the lateral recess.
• Suitable in adults of all ages.
• Can be used in patients with annular tear or with a grade-1 spondylolisthesis.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Sequestered disc herniations
• Severe disc degeneration with a uniform loss of disc height of more than 80%,
• Disturbances in blood coagulation, bacterial infection, cancer, vertebral fracture, bone spur impingement
• Spondylolisthesis grade II and above.

Benefits to Surgeons

• An innovative, safe and effective option.
• Minimally invasive bridging the gap between conservative treatment and open surgery.
• Safer than the previous linear laser.
• Easy to learn with a minimal learning curve.
• Quick patient recovery as day case so requires no inpatient follow up.
• Can reduce patient waiting list times.
• Quick and minimally invasive procedure facilitating efficient use of operating list.
• NICE guidance and reimbursement codes already available.

Benefits to patients

• Day case procedure under local anaesthesia and light sedation.
• Minimal disruption to patient’s life.
• No wound, the laser fibre is advanced through a needle.
• No blood loss.
• No trauma to healthy tissue.
• No muscle damage.
• Immediate relief of pain.
• Immediate return to activity.