ST. JOHNSBURY, VT. April 22, 2026 – Dr. Bert Fichman of the Pain Management Clinic at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) recently performed the first Intracept basivertebral nerve ablation ever performed in Vermont.
Members of the NVRH Pain Management team join representatives from Boston Scientific after performing Vermont’s first Intracept procedure. Standing L-R: Amanda Spencer, Professional Education Boston Scientific; Diane Roy, RN Operating Room; Linda Martellucci, (RT)(R)(M); Tracy Robillard, RN Clinical Leader Pain Management, Ryan Harte, Territory Manager Boston Scientific; Bert Fichman, MD Pain Management; Peter Tomczyk, RN Director of Perioperative Services. Kneeling in front: Leah Theeman, CRNA
Dr. Bert Fichman
Basivertebral nerve ablation is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure designed to provide long-term relief for chronic vertebrogenic low back pain using radiofrequency energy. Most patients start to feel better within a couple of weeks after having the procedure and experience significant, lasting pain relief, with benefits lasting for over five years.
The science behind the development of the Intracept procedure been studied for almost 20 years. The procedure was approved by the FDA in 2016 and since then about 70,000 patients in the United States have had it done with impressive outcomes.
Dr. Fichman explains that back pain can be generated from different sources. Over the years there have been many attempts to treat vertebrogenic back pain that comes from the lumbar disc with varying degrees of success.
“The advantage of the Intracept procedure is that the disc itself is not disrupted but the nerves transmitting the pain signal are,” he explains. “This leaves the anatomy intact and there are no implants or surgical incisions.”
Prospective patients will need to be evaluated to see if they are a candidate for the procedure. Appointments for consultations with the Pain Management clinic are currently available within one to two weeks.
Curious to learn more? Talk to your health care provider about getting a referral and finding the pain relief options that are right for you.