Versa Kath Directed Epidural: 7 Key Facts About Breakthrough Technique
Versa Kath Directed Epidural: 7 Key Facts About Breakthrough Technique
Versa Kath Directed Epidural Injection is a breakthrough technique for performing safe, precise epidural injections in the cervical spine. It was developed by Dr. Amit Sharma and is based on his years of expertise in interventional spine procedures. Unlike traditional methods, the Versa Kath method allows access to high cervical levels without compromising patient safety, making it a valuable tool for treating cervical disc herniation and associated nerve inflammation.
This technique, known formally as the Versa-Kath Directed Injection (VDI), combines anatomical insight with modern technology to target hard-to-reach cervical disc levels—especially above the C6-C7 vertebrae. Dr. Sharma is currently the only known physician routinely performing this method.
Understanding Cervical Disc Herniation And The Need For Targeted Injections
Disc herniation in the neck can lead to pinched nerves, causing sharp or radiating pain in the arms, shoulders, or upper back. While many cases improve with conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, or chiropractic care, others persist and significantly impair daily functioning. These patients may require an epidural steroid injection to reduce inflammation around the affected nerve root.
The ideal epidural injection delivers a small, effective dose of steroid medication precisely to the site of pathology—typically the ventral (anterior) epidural space where the herniated disc compresses the nerve root. Unfortunately, traditional methods often fall short in safely accessing this area, especially at higher cervical levels.
Risks With Traditional Epidural Techniques
There are two primary conventional methods for performing epidural steroid injections:
Interlaminar Epidural Injection: This technique enters through the back and places medication in the dorsal (posterior) epidural space. While effective in the lumbar spine, it becomes risky in the cervical region, particularly above the C6-C7 level. This is due to the thinning of the ligamentum flavum, which increases the chance of spinal cord puncture when using the loss-of-resistance technique. (AJNR: Anatomic Challenges in Cervical Injections)
Transforaminal Epidural Injection: This method aims directly at the ventral epidural space by injecting through the intervertebral foramen. Although more targeted, this technique carries higher risk in the cervical spine—including injury to nearby blood vessels or nerve roots. (NIH: Complications of Cervical TFESI)
The Versa Kath Solution: Precise And Safer
Left C3-4 VKDE
The Versa Kath technique bridges the gap between precision and safety. Dr. Sharma’s modification involves inserting a thin, steerable catheter from the T1-T2 thoracic level and guiding it upward under fluoroscopic guidance to the desired cervical level. The catheter—VERSA-KATH®, developed by EpiMed—is a spring-reinforced, 21G directional catheter with 1:1 torque control, designed for precise navigation in the epidural space.
This approach allows for ventral epidural access with significantly lower risk of spinal cord injury. It also minimizes trauma to nerve roots and blood vessels, offering an excellent safety profile even in patients with complex cervical anatomy.
Clinical Safety And Outcomes
Over several years, Dr. Sharma has safely performed hundreds of Versa Kath injections without a single case of nerve damage, dural puncture, or vascular injury. This is especially remarkable given the high-risk anatomical region involved. The technique is particularly useful for patients with disc herniations at levels C2-C3, C3-C4, C4-C5, and C5-C6—where traditional methods are contraindicated or ineffective.
Step-By-Step Procedure Of Versa Kath Directed Injection
Here is how the Versa Kath procedure is performed:
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Right C5-6 VKDI
The patient is positioned comfortably and monitored by an anesthesiologist.
- Fluoroscopic guidance is used to insert a needle at the T1-T2 level.
- Through this needle, the Versa-Kath catheter is advanced under imaging control to the affected cervical disc level.
- Contrast dye is injected to confirm accurate epidural placement and medication delivery site.
- The steroid solution is then delivered slowly and precisely.
- The catheter and needle are removed, and a small bandage is applied to the entry site.
- The patient is observed in recovery before discharge with post-procedure instructions.
Ideal Candidates For Versa Kath
The Versa Kath technique is recommended for patients who:
- Have cervical disc herniations between C2 and C6
- Have not responded to physical therapy or medications
- Cannot undergo traditional cervical injections due to anatomy or surgical history
- Are seeking targeted relief without the risks associated with interlaminar or transforaminal injections
Possible Risks And Side Effects
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, though very rare in this case:
- Bleeding or bruising at the needle site
- Infection
- Temporary increase in pain
- Allergic reaction to contrast or medication
No major complications, including dural puncture, spinal headaches, or nerve injuries, have occurred in any of Dr. Sharma’s documented cases using the Versa Kath technique.
Proprietary Technology: What Is Versa-Kath®?
The VERSA-KATH® is a 21-gauge spring-reinforced directional catheter created by EpiMed. It features a styletted design for precision placement and a Stingray® Connector that allows torque transmission for navigation. This catheter was initially designed for caudal catheter use but has been successfully adapted by Dr. Sharma for cervical applications. It is one of the few devices that enable such targeted navigation without introducing undue risk to spinal cord structures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Versa Kath Directed Epidural Injection?
The Versa Kath Directed Epidural Injection (VDI) is a specialized cervical spine procedure developed by Dr. Amit Sharma. It uses a directional catheter to safely deliver steroid medication near inflamed cervical nerves, especially above the C6-C7 level, where traditional methods are riskier.
How is Versa Kath different from other epidural injections?
Unlike interlaminar or transforaminal injections, Versa Kath accesses the epidural space from the T1-T2 level using a steerable catheter. This allows precise delivery to the ventral epidural space while avoiding spinal cord contact, reducing the risk of complications.
Who is a good candidate for the Versa Kath injection?
Patients with cervical disc herniations between C2 and C6 who have failed conservative treatment or are not eligible for traditional cervical injections may benefit from the Versa Kath technique.
Is Versa Kath safe?
Yes. Dr. Sharma has performed hundreds of these injections without a single case of nerve injury, dural puncture, or spinal headache. The use of fluoroscopic guidance and the catheter’s directional control enhance procedural safety.
Does the Versa Kath procedure require general anesthesia?
No. The procedure is typically performed with monitored anesthesia care (MAC) and sedation. Patients are kept comfortable and monitored by an anesthesiologist throughout the injection.
How long does it take to recover from a Versa Kath injection?
Most patients can resume light activity the same day. Full recovery instructions are provided, and patients often return to therapy or work within 24–48 hours depending on their baseline symptoms and response.
Conclusion
The Versa Kath method is a groundbreaking advancement in spinal injection therapy. By offering a safe, precise, and minimally invasive way to reach cervical disc herniations, this technique fills a critical gap in modern pain management. If you’ve been told that cervical epidural injections are too risky or if prior injections have failed, speak with Dr. Amit Sharma’s team about whether Versa Kath is right for you.
Contact us at SpinePain Solutions for more information or to schedule a consultation.
