The Minuteman Procedure
What is the Minuteman Procedure?
The Minuteman® is a minimally invasive, interspinous-interlaminar fusion device intended for the fixation and stabilization of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine while awaiting bony fusion to occur. The Minuteman® is designed for attachment to the posterior non-cervical spine at the spinous processes through its bilateral locking plates, and it is intended for use with bone graft material placed within the device. It provides immobilization and stabilization of the spinal segments. The core threaded post allows for optimal placement and a wide range of sizes allows for enhanced anatomical fit. The Minuteman® is delivered sterile and individually packed.
A trial is first performed for patients to assess whether or not spinal cord stimulation may help your pain. This trial consists of placing the small leads into the epidural space under fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance. The trial is quick, and can be done under local anesthesia only or with sedation. After the leads are in place and secured with tape to your back, you will go home and see how it worked for 5-7 days. After the trial period the leads are painlessly pulled out of the epidural space in the office.
If the trial was a success then the next phase is placing a more permanent system. This is an outpatient minimally invasive surgery typically done with sedation. It consists of placing the pulse generator (battery) and leads completely under the skin. You will follow up back in the office several days later to make sure everything is healing well.
Throughout the trial and the implant process, you will be in close contact with a representative from the spinal cord stimulation device company to ensure the best possible results and reduction in your pain. They will help assist you become pain free.