While we all marveled over Medtronic’s latest DBS system, GE-held Insightec (based in Israel) has published results from a pilot study in the NEJM that may validate the Exablate Neuro, a device that combines focused ultrasound surgery with continuous MRI via a “helmet” transducer that shoots out ultrasound elements, stopping the tremors. It’s “noninvasive, incisionless and bloodless.” No bur holes or implantables required. The test was for patients with essential tremor, which affects up to 10 million Americans.
In the pilot study, every participant reported “significant improvement” in dominant hand tremor and “no residual disabilities from their tremor at one year after treatment.”
Like the Medtronic Activa PC+S, Exablate Neuro also gives real-time feedback. The company received FDA approval to begin a phase I trial for Parkinson’s about a year ago, and has received the CE mark to use the device for treatment of neurological disorders.
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According to Insightec’s website, benefits include:
– Non-Invasive Transcranial treatment
– No ionizing radiation effects enables repeated treatments with no long term toxicity
– Thermal ablation provides immediate bio-physical tissue response
– Intraoperative image guidance allows for target localization with 1mm accuracy
The technology also could potentially apply to brain tumors, targeted drug delivery and clot lysis for stroke, according to the website.
According to Bloomberg, Elbit Medical Technologies and Meditech Advisors LLC also lay claim to Insightec.
