EBI® VueCath® System: Spinal Endoscopic Tool for Diagnosis and Treatment

Figure 1.
The VueCath® Endoscopic Tool.
EBI© Used with permission.

As a diagnostic tool, the VueCath® system aids in the diagnosis of inflammation or scarring around a spinal nerve when other tests (e.g., MRI) are inconclusive. As a treatment tool, VueCath® enables the specialist to see the inside of the spinal canal and to inject medications precisely where needed to treat the cause of pain. The endoscopic catheter (flexible tube) is very small; about the diameter of a pencil lead.

The outpatient procedure is performed in hospital or clinic under local anesthetic. Intravenous sedation can be added if necessary. The procedure takes from 15 to 30 minutes. The soft steerable catheter is inserted near the tailbone (Fig. 2).

Figure 2.
The flexible 'steerable' catheter is inserted near the tailbone.
EBI© Used with permission.

Figure 3.
A real-time view inside the spine. A sample of what
the spine specialist can see using the VueCath® System.
EBI© Used with permission.

During the entire procedure, images of the spinal canal are displayed on a video monitor (Fig. 3). The procedure is not painful. Some patients have reported feelings of pressure in the back or legs or tingling sensations. Patients are released home shortly after the procedure and usual activities can be resumed the following day.

This article is an excerpt from Dr. Stewart G. Eidelson's book, Advanced Technologies to Treat Neck and Back Pain, A Patient's Guide (March 2005).