To confirm the effect of laser nucleotomy on intradiscal pressure decrease, the relation between IDP and vertical load was measured and a new type needle for preventing the complications by the heat was developed.
The IDP was measured by pressure transducer with increasing vertical load for following three groups of rabbits' lumbar discs. 1) normal discs, 2) conventional intradiscal nucleotomy, 3) laser nucleotomy. The curves of the IDP of laser nucleotomy was almost same with that of conventional intradiscal nucleotomy.
Using a usual spinal needle, the quarts fiber and needle were often damaged by burn back and the heat injury of the tissue around the tissue was often occurred. To prevent these complications, a new type needle with Teflon coated double lumen and a connector for aspiration was developed. The needle could solved these problems.
Laser nucleotomy suggested to be applied clinically by its easiness and safety.