For those of you considering PTT trials in the US, you will may want to ask your team if they are using 3 tesla magnetic power in their MRI.

[MBAnderson]

We - PwP shouldn't have to examine such details, but some MRI machines may be (saving money by) using an inferior imaging power. (I raise this because in the video below, the doctor says his clinic is one of a few that is using this technology.)

I believe your asking this question will get your doctor's attention in way that other standard questions won't & will serve you.

I asked Dr. Gallay (at SoniModul) if using a 1.5 tesla magnetic power vs 3.0 made a difference and here is his answer;

"Dear Mr Anderson,

Thank you for your E-mail and important question about MR-fields in MRgFUS.

I would definitely go for the 3 tesla systems because they offer a better image resolution (important for identification and monitoring of the mammillothalamic tract (important tract for memory) during the procedure). Of course the team chosen will be an important factor in the equation.

Best regards

M. Gallay"

I don't know if the places doing the PTT trial are using 1.5 or 3 tesla power because I don't have standing to ask. It's a yes or no question. (An explanation is same as a, "No.")

In this video, a doctor (who was referred to a PWP for the procedure) talks about the difference .

youtube.com/watch?v=DcjEA2K...(Not working as expected?)

[Skydome]

Do you know which is used at SoniModul, Marc? I can’t tell from Dr. Galley’s reply.

[MBAnderson in reply to Skydome]

He said the 3 tesla powered MRI.

[ConnieD in reply to MBAnderson]

Marc if you were someone who couldn’t afford Getting it done in Switzerland but had hoped to have FUS would you be comfortable with the 1.5 or go the DBS route instead? How are you doing with your symptoms, I hope you’re doing well!

[MBAnderson in reply to ConnieD]

I've been asked this question a couple times in PM.

I would find & choose a FUS hospital/clinic with a 3 powered MRI.

To answer your question, I would choose the 1.5 powered FUS.

(I just posted a new thread where a U of MN neuro-surgeon has tested a 7 tesla powered MRI for DBS.)

I am given to understand one can have a DBS after a FUS and if I could be sure of that, I would always go for a FUS 1st.

I might be in that situation.

[pdpatient in reply to MBAnderson]

Why Marc? Is it not improving?

RKM

[MBAnderson in reply to pdpatient]

RKM,

I don't like answering this question because it pits me against DBS and I'm not against it - and have not been researching it lately.

1) Because I got 60% improvement overall from the first procedure and so far another 10% improvement from the second procedure, so if I don't experience any other improvement, PTT will have been well worth it. I still drive and am fully independent. The 2nd one rid me if stiffness and rigidity, back pain and greatly reduced my tremor on my right side which means I'm mostly free of those 3 things.

True, I have this gait initiation issue which is connected to some balance problems both of which I had before the 2 nd procedure, but both of which may well improve yet. And, periodically, minor speech impairment. The jury is far from in re my final status and I don't believe anyone expects DBS to resolve all their symptoms.

2) Anyone else may not have these or any residual issues with FUS PTT. Other's PTT anecdotes are free of such issues, i.e., are all better than mine.

3) If someone is not happy with FUS they can have DBS, so as I see it, there is no reason not to have FUS - first.

[seamusw in reply to MBAnderson]

Thanks for this Marc.

[pdpatient in reply to MBAnderson]

Thanks, Marc for your detailed response. Much appreciated.

RKM