About MR Guided Focused Ultrasound
|
On October 22, 2004 the FDA awarded pre-market approval (PMA) to ExAblate® 2000, InSightec’s new system for non-invasive surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids. ExAblate combines two systems--a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner to visualize patient anatomy, map the volume of fibroid tissue to be treated, and monitor the temperature of the uterine tissue after heating, and a high intensity focused ultrasound beam that heats and destroys the fibroid tissue using high frequency, high-energy sound waves. This is the first time these two systems have been combined and the first time MR has been used to monitor tissue temperature. The system works exclusively with the GE MR systems. The FDA expedited its review of the device because it offers significant advantages over existing treatments for uterine fibroids. |
|
In its announcement to the press Joe Hogan, president and CEO, GE Healthcare Technologies stated: "Our partnership with InSightec demonstrates our company’s commitment to partner and invest in innovative technologies that benefit both doctors and patients. What’s most gratifying about GE’s contribution to the ExAblate 2000 system is knowing millions of women around the world afflicted with fibroids will now have an opportunity to treat their symptoms non-surgically.” |
|
InSightec is committed to using focused ultrasound surgery and innovative MR imaging to advance the care of patients with serious diseases, and they are exploring the potential application of the ExAblate system in other diseases such as breast, liver, bone and brain cancer. ExAblate 2000 will have a central role in this year’s RSNA. The patient table, which docks to the GE MR systems, will be demonstrated at the MR booth (#3700). Clinical results will be displayed on both e-panels and powerpoint presentations. |
