What is Clear Point Surgery?

[llwwd]

[larry33b]

Google it. It is a less invasive DBS procedure

[llwwd in reply to larry33b]

Thank you

[Hidden]

Certainly more advanced than my days in Operating Theatre when it was Scalpels and sutures.

[Jash]

I had Clear Point DBS surgery. It is performed in an MRI tube under general anesthesia using a somewhat different approach. The surgeon uses real-time images instead of audible feedback from the awake patient, to guide the placement to the STN. I wouldn't call it less invasive. It is still surgery, but for me, it made sense for the surgeon to have a live visual roadmap,

[CharlieMadge in reply to Jash]

Where did you get the procedure done. What % success rate did they say prior to the procedure?. Any complications?

[Jash in reply to CharlieMadge]

My surgery was performed at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, PA by Dr Mark Richardson. I was his second Clear Point procedure for Parkinsons. The first guy did so well, he went to Mexico where he works after three months. I had no complications of surgery. Adjusting the programming, etc. takes a while though. I'm still working through that. I have 100% confidence in Mark Richardson and I'm not easy to please, being a critic by nature. Dr. Richardson told my family that it was probably a good thing that I had clear point because a blood vessel may have been missed had I had the auditory, awake procedure. ClearPoint is still relatively new, although it is being used for tumor removal and epilepsy procedures

[CharlieMadge in reply to Jash]

Thank so much your a champion - I'm an Australian who will travel to the US for ClearPoint. Could be cost prohibitive though as not covered by local insurance overseas.

[CharlieMadge in reply to Jash]

Would you be prepared to reveal the cost as I need to have it done but not sure if i can afford it.

[Jash in reply to CharlieMadge]

As I am over 65 and have military insurance as my backup, my surgery was completely covered by Medicare and USAA--as a result, i don't know had the cost was. I had same questions though. The staff at UPMC worked through all the insurance stuff before I made my final decision. Medically necessary seems to be the operative words.

[wynn7]

Plus this surgery takes 1/2 the time of the old DBS surgery. Also do think being under general anesthesia is a definite advantage physically and mentally.

[Jash in reply to wynn7]

For some people, like me, that's the only way I would have done it. I am blessed that the opportunity came to town when I was ready

[wynn7 in reply to Jash]

Jash, I am in total agreement after all the research my husband & I have done! Just don't understand why Clearpoint is taking so long to get off the ground! The President of MRI Interventions put on a very good presentation on the advantage of Clearpoint. You can see the web cast on MRI INTERVENTION.

I was approved for DBS surgery before Xmas & when they called to schedule surgery I mentioned my preference for Clearpoint. Now the surgeon has called me to meet as they had explored Clearpoint. For whatever reason they decided against implementing it. Can't imagine why...... Find out next week.

[Jash]

I'll be interested to see what your neuro says. Let me know. For one thing, the technology is expensive and it requires specialized training. Nonetheless, I'll be interested to know what your neuro says.

[wynn7]

I've been out of commission for a while with a compressed fracture of the lower back, but at this point it looks like San Francisco is the best solution. I would be so happy if something would get started in LA!!