This is a whole new approach for treating the patients with Multiple Sclerosis. In recent days it has become a new hope for millions of Multiple Sclerosis patients across the world. Dr. Paolo Zamboni, a former vascular surgeon and professor at the University of Ferrara in northern Italy developed this procedure while he was trying to understand the underlying causes for the condition which his wife was into, a Multiple Sclerosis patient.
What is Liberation Treatment?
Liberation Treatment also known as CCSVI or ZAMBONI procedure is modern method for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Liberation treatment for MS in India is offered at one of the best hospitals in India with highly experienced doctors. This treatment is a potentially ground breaking treatment of Multiple Sclerosis discovered by Dr. Paolo Zamboni while attempting to cure his wife from her Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Why Liberation Treatment?
The constriction is often attributed to blockages in the vascular network coming from the brain. Due to the pliant nature of the vein, it is much easier to have stenosis to occur. In order to correct this, Liberation treatment is recommended as the vascular intervention intends to free the flow of blood from the brain. This surgery is designed to remove the blockages from the venal system. The accumulation of waste tainted blood in the brain leaves iron deposits in the cells that lead to cell degeneration. Because these are brain cells, brain functioning becomes severely affected.
What is CCSVI?
Chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is a term used to describe compromised flow of blood in the veins draining the central nervous system. It has been hypothesized to play a role in the cause of multiple sclerosis (MS). This hypothesis was first put forth by Paolo Zamboni in 2008. An endovascular intervention for the syndrome has been attempted however further research is required to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks of the procedure. This medical condition is dealt with Liberation treatment.
How is it Diagnosed?
CCSVI was first found using specialized extracranial and transcranial Doppler sonography. Five ultrasound criteria of venous drainage have been proposed to be characteristic of the syndrome, although having two of them is enough for diagnosis of CCSVI:
Reflux in the internal jugular and vertebral veins
Reflux in the deep cerebral veins
High-resolution B-mode ultrasound evidence of stenosis of the internal jugular vein
Absence of flow in the internal jugular or vertebral veins on Doppler ultrasound and
Reverted postural control of the main cerebral venous outflow pathways
It is still not clear whether magnetic resonance venography, venous angiography, or Doppler sonography would be considered as the gold standard for the diagnosis of CCSVI. Use of magnetic resonance venography for the diagnosis of CCSVI in MS patients has been proposed by some to have limited value, and to be used only in combination with other techniques. Others have stated that magnetic resonance venography has advantages over Doppler since results are more operator-independent
CCSVI Symptoms
With all of the CCSVI liberation surgery excitement, the patients are quick to seek out doctors who can tell them if the surgery applies to their form of multiple sclerosis. Before you pickup the phone to ask for CCSVI testing, check out the symptoms below which were taken in a poll by MS patients who were diagnosed with CCSVI:
Poor Balance
Vision Problems
Depression
Muscle Weakness
Fatigue
Joint Pain
Numbness
Bladder Problems
Head feels pressure and then sudden light headedness (a head rush)
Tingling or “Fizzy” Sensation up neck or arms
Types of Liberation Treatment
The Balloon angioplasty and stents have been proposed as a treatment option for CCSVI in MS. As a form of treatment, outside the trial setting, these procedures are not currently recommended. These proposed treatments have been termed as "liberation procedure or treatment".
Balloon angioplasty: is the best approach as of today in terms of CCSVI surgery. This angioplasty procedure is known as the Liberation Procedure for CCSVI, as coined by Dr. Paulo Zamboni, the discoverer of CCSVI, its' diagnostic procedures and treatment. Typically balloon angioplasty, in order to widen the collapsed and deformed veins that have been destroyed by CCSVI. This treatment is widely available worldwide, especially in places like Costa Rica, India and Bulgaria. CCSVI Liberation Procedure is done under local anesthesia with concurrent pain medication. The patient can choose how sedated they are during the procedure. They do no need to go under a general anesthetic. This treatment usually takes about 30 minutes to three hours. The time it takes to complete the procedure will vary depending on the severity of the block in the patient's vein, as well as the time spent evaluating his or her vascular system before the procedure. It might also depend on the number of balloons that have to be inserted into the vein. CCSVI surgery involves placing a thin catheter into your vein through a small incision. A contrast dye is then injected through the catheter and will indicate the veins that are blocked or collapsed. A balloon is then inserted through the catheter and inflated, thus expanding the venous wall. This expansion will cause an increase of blood flow through the vein. Real time x-rays are used to see the blocked veins clearly. Balloon angioplasty may be done with or without stenting. A stent is a small wired mesh tube that can be placed in the inflated vein to keep it open and prevent collapse. At this time, stenting is not recommended for CCSVI, as there have been complications due to stents moving after surgery. Balloon angioplasty for CCSVI surgery is usually a very safe and minimally invasive procedure. The chance of any untoward reactions to the procedure is only about two per cent. Patients who undergo balloon angioplasty typically feel better in less than a day. If the patient had flown to another country to have the procedure done, then it is advised that he or she stay at the hotel for at least three days before flying out.
CCSVI treatment stents: These are medically treated tubing that is inserted into the vein to refortify the structure to normalize blood flow. The procedure involves the application of the stent in the damaged area, either to remove blockage or at the same time prevent blood back flow from occurring. These stents are then left attached in the affected area to help in the blood flow and to prevent any further damage from recurring. There are still many ongoing studies as well as research into the best practices for CCSVI treatment. In general, patients who are treated with a stent are usually given blood thinning medications after surgery. Blood thinning medications are thought to reduce the chances of a blood clot developing in the stent and blocking an artery. Unfortunately, it is possible for restenosis to occur. Restenosis is the re-closing of the artery.
Other Treatment Options
Besides the above two, the following treatments modalities are also offered alleviating multiple sclerosis and these have helped a large number of MS patients in improving their quality of life.
Plasma Exchange: is a procedure in which the blood of a patient is removed from his/her body by a negative pressure, plasma from this blood (Plasma is the clear solution in the blood which contains the auto antibodies which might be the cause of multiple sclerosis) is removed, and fresh plasma is mixed with the red blood cell of the patient and this is re-infused into the body of the patient again. In patient with severe multiple sclerosis repeated plasma exchanges have been associated with a significant clinical improvement.
Baclofen Pump: Patients with severe multiple sclerosis sometimes have exceptionally severe spasticity which is unresponsive to routine medical treatments. These patients sometimes might benefit from a baclofen pump insertion. Baclofen pump is an automatic device which pumps a metered quantity of baclofen (an antispasticity drug) into the spinal canal – directly around the spinal cord. The benefit of this pump is that it delivers very low quantity of the drug to the body with a higher impact on the patient’s spasticity than the oral drug, and is totally devoid of the side effects of oral medication.
Botox Injection: Focal spasticity in multiple sclerosis can be managed by Botox injection effectively. The neurologists in the multiple sclerosis programs at Medanta are well versed with the injection techniques for botulinum toxin injections.
Recovery from Liberation Treatment
A Liberation Procedure is a minimally invasive procedure. You can expect to remain in hospital for 5 days after surgery for monitoring and follow-up care. A further 3 day at a local hotel after hospital discharge is also necessary before you are permitted to fly. Recovery is relatively simple and rapid. Bruising is normal. You will receive wound care instructions and may be prescribed medication. The Liberation Procedure for MS patients is a recent advance in medical technology. As with all surgical procedures, it is strongly recommended you consult with your physician and/or specialist so you are fully informed as to whether this procedure is appropriate for your medical condition and of all possible complications.
Liberation Treatment in India
Indian healthcare facilitates high-quality care for a discounted price to foreign medical tourists who are interested in the multiple sclerosis Liberation treatment in India. India already has many experienced vascular & angioplasty surgeons who perform hundreds of surgeries every year, including that of people from abroad. The liberation procedure should be no different, as it requires the same medical & surgical skills. Abundance of this medical expertise combined with one of the lowest costs in the world is the reason; India is a preferred destination for CCSVI procedure.
India is a country known for the best of all medical tourism facilities and healing solutions, is inviting foreign medical tourists to visit India and explore the fast and convenient medical tourism India services. It has been a tradition in India that the medical tourism India guests are considered as incarnations of God and are given prime importance.
After the Liberation Procedure the foreign patients undergo a customized comprehensive neurological rehabilitation at the medical centres situated in the below said cities. These have unique and specialized rehabilitation and have benefited the foreign patients immensely thus the patients return home after undergoing a final consultation with their respective surgeons.
Following are the cities wherein the patients can go for various liberation procedures:
Mumbai
Hyderabad
Kerala
Delhi
Pune
Goa
Bangalore
Nagpur
Jaipur
Chennai
Gurgaon
Chandigarh
Cost of Liberation Treatment in India
The costs of Liberation treatment in India are available at quiet affordable costs. India offers these treatments which come to around 60-80% less than prevailing USA rates. Moreover, the cost often covers a comfortable and cost effective trip planning, journey, stay, tourist experience & recuperation, which comes still less to the cost incurred in USA. The following cost comparison can give you a fair idea about cost difference which exists between the two countries.
Medical Treatment
Procedure Cost (US$)
United States
India
CCSVI Liberation treatment
12,000
4,000
Balloon Angioplasty
32,000
12,000
Some of the common countries from which patients travel to India for surgery are:
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