USE OF THE HOLMIUM YTTRIUM-ALUMINUM-GARNET LASER FOR PERCUTANEOUS THORACOLUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL-DISK ABLATION IN DOGS

Objective-To evaluate a laser ablation technique for treatment of thor acolumbar intervertebral disk disease in dogs. Design-Prospective case series. Animals-33 dogs with signs of recurrent back pain associated with intervertebral disk disease after the initial episode had been ma naged conservatively for a minimum of 2 weeks. Procedure-Spinal needle s were placed percutaneously through the annulus fibroses to permit de livery of an optical fiber into the nucleus pulposes of thoracolumbar intervertebral disks T10-11 through L3-4. Fluoroscopy was used to guid e needle placement. Holmium yttrium aluminum garnet laser energy then was used to ablate the contents of each selected intervertebral disk. intervals from time of treatment to time of assessment ranged from 3 t o 114 weeks. Results-All dogs recovered without complication. Results of follow-up radiography, and histologic evaluation indicated that per cutaneous holmium yttrium aluminum garnet laser ablation reduces the v olume of nucleus pulposus in treated disks. Clinical Implications-Used as a clinical treatment and prophylactically, this minimally invasive procedure should prevent further extrusion of partially herniated dis ks and should reduce the chances of subsequent herniation of disks at other treatment sites.