Cerebro-spinal Venous Insufficiency and Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
CCSVI based on the close spatial relationship of demyelinization plaques and venous vessels was postulated as early as the 1980s and a link between the disorder of the venous outflow in the brain and back marks the development of MS.
The hypothesis of a chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency was developd in recent times, and a link between MS and the occurrence of doppler detected venous valve insufficiency has been reported. The reason for this was often a stenosis (narrowing) of the vena azygos (chest cavity) or the internal jugular vein (neck) which dam up the flow of blood from the brain and upper spinal cord. This backflow results in edema of the cerebral veins. The blood-brain barrier is also affected.
This constriction of blood vessels prevents blood flowing quickly enough, causing autoimmune inflamation that results in damage to the brain and the protective myelin nerve coating.
Widening of the stenotic (narrowed) veins increases the blood flow through them, thus relieving the back-pressure and eliminating the inflammation that is causing the damage to the brain and protective myelin.
The XCell-Center CCSVI/MS treatment
The XCell-Center's CCSVI/MS treatment differs from standard methods because, in contrast to temporarily masking symptoms with drugs, it is a drug-free alternative focused on affecting physical changes that can improve a patient's quality of life.
CCSVI Diagnostics
3.0 Tesla MRI scanner from GE Medical Systems
XCell-Imaging has developed in cooperation with the
specialists at GE, specific protocols for the neural cell
diagnostics. These protocols are very specific and can very
accurately measure the blood flow and pressure differences in the
vicinity of the stenosis. Our 3.0 Tesla MRI allows very
precise, shots of the brain and blood vessels in the head,
neck and chest area.
This is of utmost importance for patients in whom stenosis is diagnosed when its extent and magnitude has not been sufficiently identified.
The duration of the entire procedure takes about 40 minutes. Patients with claustrophobia may be given a sedative.
Ultrafast CT scanner from GE Medical
Systems
GE and X-Cell Imaging have developed a new protocol of
computer controlled venography of the head, neck and
chest veins (CTPH), which provides an unparalleled view
of the entire Venous system. This test takes less than 10
minutes.
Echo / Doppler Duplex GE Medical Systems
The echo / Doppler-duplex analysis is used to
detect disorders of the flap motion and the venous flow.
Normally, blood flows from the head to the heart. This
flow direction is maintained through the function of venous
valves. In CCSVI patients, we often find impaired valve
function and a backflow of blood towards the head.
It may also be able to perform these measurements in a sitting
position in order to provide additional
insights.
This examination takes about 30-40 minutes.
Outline of CCSVI diagnostic process
• Preliminary discussion with the doctor
• MRI with contrast (40 minutes)
• Echo / Doppler duplex (10 minutes)
• CT venography (10 minutes)
• Results and final medical consultation with the radiologist
Bone Marrow Collection
Bone marrow
is collected from the patient's iliac crest (hip bone) using
thin-needle mini-puncture under local anesthesia. Although some
pain is felt when the needle is inserted, most patients do not find
the bone marrow collection procedure particularly painful. The
entire procedure normally takes about 30 minutes.
Once the bone marrow collection is complete, patients may return to their hotel and go about normal activities. Patients who receive general anesthesia must lie down for a short recovery period before returning to their hotel.
More detailed information on the bone marrow collection procedure is available in the Bone Marrow Informed Consent document (PDF file).
Laboratory Processing
The stem
cells are processed from the bone marrow in a state-of-the-art,
government approved (cGMP) laboratory. In the lab, both the
quantity and quality of the stem cells are measured. These cells
have the potential to transform into multiple types of cells and
are capable of regenerating or repairing damaged tissue.
Lumbar Puncture
A spinal needle is inserted between L4 and L5 vertebrae and a small amount of spinal fluid is removed. A portion of that spinal fluid is mixed with the stem cell solution which is then injected into back into the patient's spinal fluid, not the spinal cord.
After the stem cells have been implanted, the patient will lie down in the recovery room for a few hours before returning to his or her hotel room. The lumbar puncture procedure is performed under local anesthesia for adults. Under normal circumstances, procedures performed under local anesthesia are not painful.
Liberation Angioplasty and Angiography
Liberation Angioplasty - X-ray scanning is used to guide a balloon-tipped catheter into the affected azygos and/or jugular vein(s). Once the catheter reaches the target area, the balloon tip expands to widen the stenotic area. This procedure takes about 90 minutes. Afterwards, the patient will spend 2 or 3 hours in the recovery room to ensure that the entry site is not bleeding.
Angiography - The catheter is then inserted into the fermoral vein, guided through the heart and into the pulmonary artery where the stem cells are released. This approach brings 30-50% of the stem cells indirectly into the brain arteries without risk of embolic complications.
Following Treatment
Patients are required to stay in town near the clinic on the day after their angiography/angioplasty procedure for general safety purposes. They may return home any time after that.
Cost
Diagnostics, Lumbar Puncture, Angiography and Liberation Angioplasty for one stenosis: 16,500 Euros.
Diagnostics, Lumbar Puncture, Angiography and Liberation Angioplasty for two stenoses: 19,500 Euros.
Diagnostics, Lumbar Puncture and Angiography (no angioplasty): 13,500 Euros.
Treatment Evaluation Process
In order to be evaluated for treatment, patients must complete an online medical history form. Once you've completed the online medical history and submitted it, a patient relations consultant will contact you. He or she will assist you with the rest of the evaluation process. Upon treatment approval, your consultant will also assist you with treatment scheduling and trip preparation.
