Percutaneous disc decompression using coblation is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and sedation. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a needle is inserted into the affected disc. A probe-like device is then introduced into the disc. The device is heated up to 40-70°C, ablating the centre part of the disc and creating a channel. After stopping at a pre-determined depth, the probe is then withdrawn, coagulating the tissue as it is removed. Around six channels are created during the procedure, the number of channels depending on the desired amount of tissue reduction.

The only real concern about the IDET is that it is a relatively new procedure, However, after thousands cases, the results look good, meaning that from 50% to 80% of patients "improve", experiencing partial to complete pain relief, with only very rare side effects.