FDA Approves Focused Ultrasound Treatment... - Cure Parkinson's

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FDA Approves Focused Ultrasound Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

MBAnderson profile image
35 Replies

fusfoundation.org/news/fda-...

thejns.org/view/journals/j-...

There are currently 37 medical centers in the US using Insightec’s Exablate Neuro device to treat tremor-dominant PD.

insightec.com/treatment-cen...

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MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson
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35 Replies
jimcaster profile image
jimcaster

Marc, if I understand correctly, this approval from last autumn does not relate to Pallidothalamic Tractotomy (PTT), the form of Focused Ultrasound which you underwent at SoniModul Clinic in Switzerland. Am I right about that?

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply tojimcaster

Yes, you're right. It is just your basic, dime a dozen, run-of-the-mill, no frills pallidotomy.

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply toMBAnderson

At least for right now (and likely for the next few years), I am much more inclined to go to SoniModul if I opt for a focused ultrasound procedure.

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply tojimcaster

By the time you're ready, PTT will likely be approved (2 - 3 year) in the US. Although Solothurn, Switzerland is a wonderful place to visit.

camper1 profile image
camper1

I went to a neurosurgeon in Boston, Mass two years ago to see if I was a candidate for this procedure, i didn’t qualify because you had to have the tremor on and off meds for Medicare reimbursement. I was and still am having a lot of off time.

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply tocamper1

Try again -- perhaps at a different location.

jaybar profile image
jaybar in reply tocamper1

I'm in Boston too. My neurologist is at MGH. Who or what department did you see about the treatment? And what are the benefits from the treatment, as far as you know?

camper1 profile image
camper1 in reply tojaybar

I went to Brigham and women’s hospital and was seen by Dr. Cosgrove who is a neurosurgeon. The ultrasound procedure is for Parkinson’s tremor and has been approved by Medicare for payment.

jaybar profile image
jaybar in reply tocamper1

Thank you. I have tremors.

Lizzy9 profile image
Lizzy9 in reply tocamper1

Hello Camper1 ~ Did you have the procedure and did it help and would you do it again? Any websites for information would be appreciated.

Thank you for your time

camper1 profile image
camper1 in reply toLizzy9

No I will have it on March 29,2023 if all the assessment testing looks o.k.

Lizzy9 profile image
Lizzy9 in reply tocamper1

Thank you for your quick response. Will you keep “us” updated as to your results?

Again, thank you and have a fabulous day ~

camper1 profile image
camper1 in reply toLizzy9

I will keep you updated, have a nice day.

Lizzy9 profile image
Lizzy9 in reply tocamper1

Thank you!!

You too!

WinnieThePoo profile image
WinnieThePoo

I don't see what all the FUSs is about 😳

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply toWinnieThePoo

ha

reedboat2 profile image
reedboat2 in reply toWinnieThePoo

You must not be tremor dominant

WinnieThePoo profile image
WinnieThePoo in reply toreedboat2

Pun intended 😉

camper1 profile image
camper1

I’m not sure if I qualify for ultrasound because I went to New York to see if I could have the PTT procedure done that is in the research phase here in the USA. My skull measured 3.8 and the criteria was 4.0. I don’t know if that’s the measurement that is used for all PTT procedures or not.

Skydome profile image
Skydome in reply tocamper1

Hi camper1, what procedure was used to measure your skull (density ratio)? Thanks!

camper1 profile image
camper1 in reply toSkydome

CT scan

Skydome profile image
Skydome in reply tocamper1

Thank you, camper1. I wish it could be something less radioactive for the head area.

camper1 profile image
camper1 in reply toSkydome

I agree

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply tocamper1

I think it might be.

HekateMoon profile image
HekateMoon

I think there is this treatment also in Barcelona. You have to have tried everything else without success. Why do we have to reach such an extreme situation i wonder...

Smittybear7 profile image
Smittybear7

Do you know what the requirements are to qualify for Focus ultrasound?

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply toSmittybear7

Smitty, You need to get that info directly from the people at the location you would use. I believe there are slight differences between locations. So much of it is a matter of interpretation. (I don't want to be wrong about something like this.)

Smittybear7 profile image
Smittybear7 in reply toMBAnderson

Thank you I appreciate your concern.

Pirooz profile image
Pirooz

Thanks for sharing this , do you know if this treatment is available outside of US or not?

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply toPirooz

I believe it is. Check the FUS or Insightec's website.

Fighttolive profile image
Fighttolive

Looks like PTT unilaterally was approved by FDA in Nov 2022. Bi Lateral still in clinical trials in US.

Juliegrace profile image
Juliegrace in reply toFighttolive

where did you see that?

Fighttolive profile image
Fighttolive in reply toJuliegrace

parkinsonsnewstoday.com/new...

They don't mention unilateral PTT but in my communication with them they've confirmed GPI and PTT unilateral are available.

Michaelz profile image
Michaelz in reply toFighttolive

Where in USA can I get PTT?

Fighttolive profile image
Fighttolive

Insurance however is not up to speed only reimburse for GPI currently.

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