What is the Mild® Procedure?  

The Mild® Procedure, developed by Vertos Medical, is a minimally invasive treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the space around the spinal nerves in the lower back, which can lead to painful compression of these nerves. The Mild® Procedure aims to create more room for the compressed nerves, thereby relieving painful symptoms. 

How is the Mild® Procedure Performed?  

To perform the Mild® Procedure: 

1. 1. The patient lies face-down and is given a mild sedative to help them relax. The lower back area is thoroughly numbed with a local anesthetic. 
2. 2. Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, the physician inserts a small needle into the spinal canal and injects contrast dye to clearly visualize the area of compression. 
3. 3. The physician then makes a small skin incision and inserts a thin, hollow tube (portal) down to the spine. 
4. 4. Through this portal, specialized instruments are used to carefully remove small amounts of bone and soft tissue from the back of the spinal canal. This decompression procedure creates more space for the compressed spinal nerves. 

What Supplies and Medications are Used for the Mild® Procedure? 

The key components of the Mild® Procedure include: 

• – Local anesthetic (e.g. lidocaine) to numb the treatment area 
• – Contrast dye to improve visualization of the spinal canal under imaging 
• – Specialized minimally invasive instruments to perform the decompression 
• – Fluoroscopic imaging guidance to direct the procedure 

The physician selects the appropriate equipment and techniques based on the patient’s unique anatomy and condition. 

What to Expect After the Mild® Procedure?  

After the procedure, the patient is monitored briefly before being discharged home. The small incision site is covered with a bandage. 

The physician will provide instructions to the patient regarding post-procedure care and recovery. Most patients report an improvement in their lower back and leg pain in the days and weeks following the Mild® Procedure, as the decompression of the spinal nerves takes effect. 

Patients should follow their physician’s guidance on any activity restrictions and schedule any necessary follow-up appointments. They should report any concerning symptoms, such as increased pain or new neurological deficits, to their healthcare provider.