When we last blogged about the ExAblate 2000 ultrasound system, it had just won FDA approval, and a Wall Street Journal medal for tech innovation. Now, via the Ft. Lauterdale Sun-Sentinel, we learn that the ExAblate is finding use for the treatment of uterine fibroids. The MRI-guided use of focused ultrasound heats and destroys the benign but troublesome tumors without damaging surrounding structures.
“This is a major advance in the noninvasive treatment of tumors,” said radiologist Fred Silverman, owner and medical director of University MRI…
Silverman said the center needs to treat about 150 patients a year to cover total operating expenses, but is confident word of mouth will bring in many women who are suffering but don’t want to undergo a hysterectomy — or other procedures, such as myomectomy, in which the uterus is split, or embolization, in which blood supply to the fibroid is cut off.
“Uterine fibroid embolization is like causing a heart attack on a fibroid,” said University MRI radiologist Suzanne LeBlang. “It’s painful, the recovery time is perhaps two weeks and it’s only successful 73 percent of the time.”
Silverman said he was so enthusiastic about the ExAblate 2000 system that he bought it from its manufacturer, privately held Israeli firm InSightec, before it received FDA approval.
More at Insightec…