What Is the Stryker OptaBlate BVN System?

The Stryker OptaBlate BVN System is a technology used to perform basivertebral nerve ablation — a single procedure that treats the basivertebral nerve within the vertebral body.

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What You'll Learn

Approx. 5–7 min read
  • What the OptaBlate BVN System is
  • How it is used to perform BVNA
  • The general procedure workflow, step by step
  • Why it is a technology — not a separate diagnosis
Stryker OptaBlate BVN System generator with four probes.
Stryker
A System Used to Perform BVNA

The OptaBlate BVN System

The Stryker OptaBlate BVN System, a technology used to perform basivertebral nerve ablation. It comprises the access instruments and a generator that allow a physician to reach and treat the basivertebral nerve within the vertebral body.

A technology used to perform BVNA — not a separate procedure.

  • Purpose: used to perform basivertebral nerve ablation.
  • Role in BVNA: helps the physician reach and treat the nerve pathway.
  • General workflow: minimally invasive and image-guided.
  • Educational illustrations supplied by Stryker.
Illustration of the ablation safe zone for the basivertebral nerve (Stryker OptaBlate BVN System).
How It Is Used

How the OptaBlate BVN System Performs BVNA

Basivertebral nerve ablation treats the basivertebral nerve where it sits inside the vertebral body. The OptaBlate BVN System gives the physician an image-guided path to that nerve and a way to deliver radiofrequency energy to it.

  • The physician confirms BVNA is appropriate before any system is chosen.
  • Access instruments create an image-guided path toward the basivertebral nerve.
  • A probe is placed at the targeted ablation zone for the nerve.
  • Radiofrequency energy ablates the targeted nerve pathway.
Step by Step

The Procedure Workflow

A detailed, instrument-level walkthrough provided by Stryker. This is educational and not a substitute for your physician's guidance.

OptaBlate procedure highlight 1: the access cannula advanced to the posterior wall of the vertebral body under X-ray guidance.
1. Access the vertebral body. Under X-ray guidance, the access cannula is inserted and advanced to the posterior wall of the vertebral body; the stylet is then removed.
OptaBlate procedure highlight 2: the introducer with conduit inserted into the access cannula.
2. Insert the introducer. The introducer with conduit is inserted until the distal line reaches the access cannula, and the introducer lever is engaged.
OptaBlate procedure highlight 3: the introducer and conduit advanced across the spinous process toward the basivertebral nerve.
3. Advance the introducer. Under X-ray guidance, the introducer is advanced with a mallet so the introducer and conduit cross the spinous process.
OptaBlate procedure highlight 4: the introducer removed, leaving the conduit in place within the vertebral body.
4. Leave the conduit in place. The lever is released and the introducer is removed, leaving the conduit in place.
OptaBlate procedure highlight 5: the RF probe inserted through the conduit and connected, with the probe emitters exposed.
5. Insert the probe. The probe is inserted and seated on the access cannula, its position is adjusted, and the conduit is pulled back to expose the probe emitters.
OptaBlate procedure highlight 6: radiofrequency ablation delivered at the basivertebral nerve, with saline flow active.
6. Start ablation. Saline flow is started by unlocking the tubing clamp, and the ablation begins.

Illustrations © Stryker — physician-authorized educational use.

Provided by Stryker

Educational Media

The following educational materials are provided by Stryker. They are included as supplied educational media and do not represent a recommendation of one technology over another.

Illustration of damaged vertebral endplates before treatment (Stryker OptaBlate BVN System).
1. Before. Damaged vertebral endplates, associated with vertebrogenic pain.
Illustration of damaged vertebral endplates with the ablation probe placed toward the basivertebral nerve (Stryker OptaBlate BVN System).
2. Probe placement. The probe is guided toward the basivertebral nerve.
Illustration of the ablation safe zone for the basivertebral nerve (Stryker OptaBlate BVN System).
3. Safe zone. The targeted ablation zone for the basivertebral nerve.
Axial (cross-sectional) illustration of a vertebral body showing the ablation lesion at the basivertebral nerve (Stryker OptaBlate BVN System).
4. Treatment — axial view. The ablation lesion at the basivertebral nerve.
Lateral (side) view of a vertebral body showing the ablation lesion at the basivertebral nerve (Stryker OptaBlate BVN System).
5. Treatment — lateral view. The same lesion seen from the side.

Illustrations © Stryker — physician-authorized educational use.

Stryker OptaBlate BVN patient animation explaining the procedure.

Video accessibility. Reviewed captions are not yet available for this supplied video. A reviewed transcript or descriptive text alternative is not yet available. The written procedure walkthrough is related education, not a transcript or equivalent alternative to this video.

Patient animation. A patient-friendly walkthrough of the procedure. © Stryker — physician-authorized educational use.
Stryker OptaBlate BVN System overview video (manufacturer-produced).

Video accessibility. Reviewed captions are not yet available for this supplied video. A reviewed transcript or descriptive text alternative is not yet available. The written procedure walkthrough is related education, not a transcript or equivalent alternative to this video.

Overview video. © Stryker — physician-authorized educational use. Manufacturer-produced.
In Plain Terms

What This Means for a Patient

If your physician determines that basivertebral nerve ablation is appropriate, the OptaBlate BVN System is one of the tools they may use to perform it.

Minimally invasive

The procedure is performed through a small access path, guided by imaging.

Targets one nerve

Treatment is focused on the basivertebral nerve inside the vertebral body.

A tool, not a decision

The system is how the procedure is performed — not whether it is right for you.

Physician-led

Your physician decides whether BVNA is appropriate before any system is chosen.

An Important Distinction

A Technology, Not a Diagnosis

The OptaBlate BVN System is a technology used to perform basivertebral nerve ablation — it is not a separate procedure or a separate diagnosis.

Diagnosis and patient selection always come first. Whether basivertebral nerve ablation is appropriate is determined by your physician based on your history, examination, imaging, and overall clinical evaluation — independent of which system is used.

Naming the system does not change the procedure. BVNA is the treatment; the OptaBlate BVN System is one way a physician can perform it.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Educational answers about the Stryker OptaBlate BVN System.

What is the Stryker OptaBlate BVN System?

Is the OptaBlate BVN System a different procedure than BVNA?

Does using the OptaBlate BVN System change my diagnosis?

Will my physician use the OptaBlate BVN System?

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The procedure — not the brand — is what matters most. When you are ready, an evaluation is the next step.