InSightec's ExAblate Neuro System Awarded European CE Mark for Non-invasive Treatment of Neurological Disorders in the Brain

Thursday 06 December 2012 09:05
ExAblate treatment indicated for use for essential tremor, tremor dominant Parkinson's disease and neuropathic pain

InSightec Ltd. announced that its transcranial focused ultrasound system, ExAblate Neuro, has been awarded the European CE mark for the treatment of neurological disorders in the brain including essential tremor, Parkinson's disease and neuropathic pain.

Millions of people suffer from neurological disorders which cause significant disability and negatively affect their quality of life and that of their caretakers. Treatment options for patients who do not respond to drug treatments include deep brain stimulation, radiofrequency ablation and radiosurgery which are invasive or involve ionizing radiation and are associated with recognized risks: high doses of ionizing radiation or high risk of complications and side effects including infection, bleeding and collateral brain tissue damage.

http://www.insightec.com/ExAblate-Neuro-CE.html

"ExAblate offers great potential for treating brain disorders. Because of its targeting accuracy, real time treatment monitoring and ability to provide non- invasive brain treatment, there is hope that many people who suffer from neurological diseases can benefit from this treatment," said Dr. Kobi Vortman, President of InSightec. "Results from the clinical studies showed that patients, many of whom who suffered for years from neurological disorders, experienced immediate symptom improvement with a high safety profile. These patients are now better able to conduct activities of daily living and are also less dependent on external caregiver support."

"ExAblate(R) Neuro offers a non-invasive treatment with no ionizing radiation, which treats tissue deep in the brain through an intact skull. MR guided Focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) combines therapeutic acoustic ultrasound waves with continuous MRI guidance," added Eyal Zadicario, Vice President of R&D and Director of InSightec's Neuro program. "The MRI enables physicians to visualize, plan, guide, monitor and control the treatment while the ultrasound acoustic energy destroys the targeted tissue in the brain."

InSightec recently received its second ExAblate FDA approval for the treatment of painful bone metastases in patients who are unable or unwilling to undergo radiation. This is in addition to FDA approval for uterine fibroids received in 2004.

About InSightec

InSightec Ltd. is privately held by Elbit Imaging, General Electric, and MediTech Advisors. Founded in 1999 InSightec developed ExAblate to transform MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) into a clinically viable technology. ExAblate has won several awards for innovation and its potential to help mankind including The Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Awards and the European Union's IST grand prize. TIME magazine recently named Focused Ultrasound as "one of 50 best inventions". For more information about treatment centers and bone metastases please visit: http://www.insightec.com .

Media contact:

Lynn Golumbic

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Source: InSightec Ltd