Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD) is a minimally invasive surgical technique designed to treat herniated discs in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. It uses laser energy to reduce intradiscal pressure, alleviating pain and other symptoms caused by disc herniation.
Percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) transmits laser energy into the intervertebral disc through a thin optical fiber, vaporizing a small part of the disc nucleus, thereby reducing intradiscal pressure and relieving disc herniation. PLDD is suitable for the treatment of disc herniation, cervical herniation, thoracic herniation (except T1-T5 segments) and lumbar herniation.
The objective of Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD) is to thermally ablate a minimal segment of the nucleus pulposus. This targeted vaporization of a limited volume within the central disc region leads to a significant decrease in intradiscal pressure, thereby facilitating the regression of disc herniation.
Laser Energy Delivery:A thin optical fiber is inserted into the intervertebral disc under imaging guidance (e.g., fluoroscopy or CT).
Laser energy is transmitted through the fiber into the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like center of the disc).
Thermal Ablation:The laser vaporizes a small portion of the nucleus pulposus, reducing the volume of the disc material.
This process decreases intradiscal pressure, which relieves pressure on the surrounding nerves and spinal structures.
Herniation Regression:The reduction in intradiscal pressure allows the herniated portion of the disc to retract, alleviating symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness.
The operation only requires local anesthesia. Under X-ray or CT guidance, a thin needle is inserted into the herniated disc, and then the laser energy is transmitted through the optical fiber inserted into the needle to vaporize part of the disc nucleus. This process creates a local vacuum effect, which moves the herniation away from the nerve root and quickly relieves pain. The effect is usually immediate. PLDD uses a specially designed laser with an energy absorption coefficient optimized for the soft tissue of the disc, which can accurately release heat and evaporate water without causing additional thermal damage, thereby achieving decompression and forming a stable intradiscal scar to prevent recurrence.
In summary, PLDD is an efficient and minimally invasive surgical method that precisely acts on the disc with laser energy, significantly reducing pain and restoring nerve function, while reducing tissue damage and postoperative complications.
Minimally Invasive: Performed through a small needle puncture, avoiding large incisions and tissue damage.
Local Anesthesia: Typically performed under local anesthesia, reducing risks associated with general anesthesia.
Short Procedure Time: The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes.
Quick Recovery: Patients can often resume normal activities within a few days.
Reduced Risk of Complications: Lower risk of infection, scarring, and spinal instability compared to open surgery.
Outpatient Procedure: Patients can go home the same day.
Treatment Method | Advantages | Limitations |
PLDD | Minimally invasive, quick recovery, low risk of complications | Not suitable for severe disc herniations or spinal instability |
Open Surgery | Effective for severe cases, direct visualization of the disc | Invasive, longer recovery, higher risk of complications |
Conservative Therapy | Non-invasive, includes physical therapy and medications | Often ineffective for severe or persistent symptoms |
Treatment Method | Advantages | Limitations |
PLDD | Minimally invasive, quick recovery, low risk of complications | Not suitable for severe disc herniations or spinal instability |
Open Surgery | Effective for severe cases, direct visualization of the disc | Invasive, longer recovery, higher risk of complications |
Conservative Therapy | Non-invasive, includes physical therapy and medications | Often ineffective for severe or persistent symptoms |
PLDD is also highly economical and has a wide range of indications. Due to its minimally invasive nature, the cost of the operation is low, postoperative care is simple, and rehabilitation costs are reduced. This technology is suitable for patients with early or mild to moderate disc herniation, especially disc herniation in the cervical, thoracic (except T1-T5) and lumbar spine. Overall, PLDD provides a safe and effective treatment option for patients with mild to moderate disc herniation with its advantages of less trauma, faster recovery, and fewer complications.
Interaction of Tissues with Arfurla Laser Technology
The Arfurla 980nm laser utilizes a 980nm wavelength that ensures balanced absorption by both blood and water, thereby promoting effective tissue ablation and coagulation. In contrast, the Arfurla 1470nm laser employs a 1470nm wavelength characterized by enhanced water absorption, which facilitates precise tissue ablation and localized thermal effects. This feature is particularly beneficial when operating near critical anatomical structures. The 1470nm laser’s optimal interaction with water and hemoglobin, combined with its moderate penetration depth into disc tissue, ensures both safety and precision during procedures, especially in areas adjacent to sensitive tissues.
PLDD (Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression) is suitable for the following symptoms or diseases:
Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD) is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for herniated discs in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. By using laser energy to reduce intradiscal pressure, PLDD alleviates pain and other symptoms while promoting the natural regression of disc herniation. Its advantages, including quick recovery, low complication rates, and high success rates, make it an attractive alternative to traditional open surgeries for appropriately selected patients.
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