Patient Information What does minimally invasive mean? The DASCOR® Disc Arthroplasty System procedure is considered minimally invasive because it minimizes the cutting of surrounding tissue and allows the surgeon to implant a disc nucleus replacement without cutting any bone from the vertebral body. Minimally invasive procedures cause less trauma to the spine since they are designed to: . Minimize blood loss. . Reduce time in surgery and under anesthesia. . Shorten hospitalization. . Provide a more rapid recovery. By preserving the bony structure of the spine and outer annulus, the DASCOR® Disc Arthroplasty System also retains future treatment options at the operative level should they become necessary.