Treating Vertebral Compression Fractures Caused by Malignant Lesions—New Hope

A novel technique for treating vertebral compression fractures (VCF) caused by malignant tumors demonstrated significant pain relief with no complications, according to a study completed by two leading interventional radiologists from UCSD Medical Center. This study was also recently published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology (April 2007).  The procedure uses a plasma mediated device to reduce the malignant lesion and then follows this procedure with cement augmentation or Vertebroplasty—which stabilizes the fracture and relieves the pain.  This treatment also works with radiation therapy or other oncologic treatments. Visit http://www.parallax-medical.com/downloads/study.pdf for a copy of this article. 

About this procedure

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Patient Testimonials Vancouver interventional radiologist discusses new tumor ablation treatment using the Cavity SpineWand device on KATU TV   Dr. Tate from Holy Cross, FL discusses the Cavity SpineWand for treating metastatic disease   Review Richard's, a retired pilot, experience (Requires Windows Media Player)   Review what Teresa, age 42, diagnosed with lung cancer and a spinal tumor has to say about the procedure.  View Video   |  Download Video (right click + "save as")   Review what John, age 54, diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, has to say about tumor ablation and his results with this treatment.   Review what Eva, age 73 with Myeloma has to say about the procedure.   Listen to the interview with Dr. Sturm about the Cavity SpineWand and Vertebroplasty procedures as heard on Chicago Connection

About Metastatic Disease

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 Patient brochure

 White paper explaining treatment and alternatives in more detail

 Cavity SpineWand Data Sheet 

Practicing Physicians

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Clinical Resources

Advances and Management in Skeletal Metastasis, Orthopedics Journal, 2006

Article: Dr. Krebs Develops Palliative Treatment for Cancer Patients Suffering Fractures, Medical Association Journal of Georgia Member News, Vol 97, Issue 3

Article: New Treatment for Spinal Metastases Improves Quality of Life for Cancer Patients, Atlanta Hospital News, Jan 2008

Article: Dawid Schellingerhout, MD from MD Anderson Medical Center (Houston) discusses benefits of using the Cavity SpineWand medical device

Article: Combined percutaneous transpedicular tumor debulking and kyphoplasty for pathological compression fractures. J Neurosurg Spine. 2007; 6:92-95.

Article: Plasma-mediated radiofrequency ablation assisted percutaneous cement injection for treating advanced malignant vertebral compression fractures. Am J Neuroradiology. 2007; 28:700-705.

Article: New treatment for spinal metastases improves quality of life for cancer patients. Houston Medical Journal. 2006; 4: 1, 23

Article: Quality of life: Helping cancer patients fight the good fight. RT Image. 2006; 19: 5

Article: Ahn H, et al, The effect of pre-vertebroplasty tumor ablation using laser-induced thermotherapy on biomechanical stability and cement fill in the metastatic spine. Eur Spine J. April 20, 2007

Cavity SpineWand used together with Vertebroplasty has reduced complications associated with traditional Vertebroplasty and Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation (ie Kyphoplasty) when a tumor is present.

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