CCSVI: Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency
Chronic Cerebral Spinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) is a disorder in which the drainage of blood from the brain and/or spinal cord back to the heart is abnormal. The term was developed by Italian researcher Paolo Zamboni in 2008, who also hypothesized that it played a role in the cause of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Liberation Procedure
Based on this theory, Zamboni devised a procedure, known as the Zamboni liberation procedure or Zamboni liberation therapy, that attempts to improve the blood flow to the brain and spinal cord by opening narrowings of the veins draining the head, neck and chest. This is primarily done by two methods - angioplasty, dilating the vein with the use of a balloon, or stenting, placing a slender tube inside the vein to keep it open. The concept is that by improving, or restoring, the venous outflow, there will be less venous stasis – less “dirty” blood bathing the neurons and brain, a new possible cause of MS. Currently, this is an experimental procedure that is recommended under clinical trial.
While the Clinicians debate whether CCSVI and MS are completely separate diseases, the same disease, or a spectrum of the same disease, the answer remains unknown. However, many experts in the field agree that this treatment works. Unfortunately, we do not yet know which subset of patients will benefit the most from the treatment (although this may soon change). Regardless, in the hands of an experienced interventional radiologist, this procedure is extremely safe, and easily performed in an outpatient setting.
VeinsAmerica and Chicago Vascular and Interventional have partnered to provide the resources needed for patients seeking this type of treatment. During a consultation with us, we will do a clinical exam and obtain history specific to your symptoms and current treatment, and we will provide you with the appropriate information and tools to make an informed decision about proceeding with our minimally-invasive procedure.
VeinsAmerica’ physicians have a combined 20 years experience doing venous angioplasty. Our combined interventional physicians have board certifications in Neuroradiology, Interventional Radiology, and Diagnostic Radiology. Our Chicago clinic is equipped with the technology and staff to safely, and effectively, perform the Liberation procedure.
One thing is certain – no patients are as active, informed, or involved with their own care as those with MS/CCSVI. In fact, CCSVI may be the first disease cured, in large part, by these patients’ ability to discuss their disease(s), treatments, and outcomes. We strongly advise our patients to be well educated and well read regarding the benefits and risks of venous angioplasty and CCSVI. Please click on a few selected links below.
Links:
Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency World Site
Relief for MS Patients Following Angioplasty
Interventional Radiologists Advance MS Research
Hubbard Foundation, Multi-Center Registry for CCSVI
Treatment Options
Venous Angioplasty for CCSVI
