The FDA approved U.S. studies of Israel-based InSightec’s ExAblate Neuro in treatment of medication resistant Parkinson’s disease.
InSightec will enroll 30 patients who suffer from tremors associated with the disease, randomizing them for treatment with ultrasound-based deep-lesioning of the brain.
The non-invasive procedure destroys target tissue, using continuous real-time MR guidance for visualizing the anatomy of the brain and CT scanning to reconstruct the skull. The data helps configure the ultrasound beams with 1mm accuracy, according to the company’s website.
The patient, who is awake during treatment, wears a helmet-like device which delivers focused ultrasound therapy while chilled water circulates around the skull to prevent overheating.
The device aims to destroy specific neural pathways associated with movement disorders in order to help ameliorate symptoms of essential tremor.
The new trial will be conducted in collaboration with the Focused Ultrasound Foundation of Charlottesville, Va., according to the press release. The device is also under investigation as a potential means of destroying tumors, according to the company.