FDA Approves Focused Ultrasound Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

[MBAnderson]

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...

[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 in reply to jimcaster]

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

[jimcaster in reply to MBAnderson]

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 in reply to jimcaster]

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]

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 in reply to camper1]

Try again -- perhaps at a different location.

[jaybar in reply to camper1]

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 in reply to jaybar]

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 in reply to camper1]

Thank you. I have tremors.

[Lizzy9 in reply to camper1]

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 in reply to Lizzy9]

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

[Lizzy9 in reply to camper1]

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

Again, thank you and have a fabulous day ~

[camper1 in reply to Lizzy9]

I will keep you updated, have a nice day.

[Lizzy9 in reply to camper1]

Thank you!!

You too!

[WinnieThePoo]

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

[MBAnderson in reply to WinnieThePoo]

ha

[reedboat2 in reply to WinnieThePoo]

You must not be tremor dominant

[WinnieThePoo in reply to reedboat2]

Pun intended 😉

[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 in reply to camper1]

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

[camper1 in reply to Skydome]

CT scan

[Skydome in reply to camper1]

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

[camper1 in reply to Skydome]

I agree

[MBAnderson in reply to camper1]

I think it might be.

[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]

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

[MBAnderson in reply to Smittybear7]

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 in reply to MBAnderson]

Thank you I appreciate your concern.

[Pirooz]

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

[MBAnderson in reply to Pirooz]

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

[Fighttolive]

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

[Juliegrace in reply to Fighttolive]

where did you see that?

[Fighttolive in reply to Juliegrace]

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 in reply to Fighttolive]

Where in USA can I get PTT?

[Fighttolive]

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