As for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency MS CSF

By Tracey Holgado
What is CCSVI?

CCSVI or chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency is a condition wherein blood is not properly drained from the brain. The cause of this is believed to be the

narrowing of the lumen of the veins in the brain and the spinal cord. The narrowing causes obstruction which leads to an abnormal blood flow. The partial blockage caused deoxygenated blood to stay longer than expected within the brain or backs up into the brain. When the deoxygenated blood will reflux back to the brain, it will cause hypoxia, inflammation and iron deposition on brain tissues.

Are CCSVI and Multiple Sclerosis related?

In 2009, a study has been conducted by Dr. Paolo Zamboni and others regarding multiple sclerosis. The results have shown that 100% of the MS cases have abnormal venous flow. The venous drainage of both the brain and the spinal cord has been examined using the ultrasound technique. It has also been noted that people with MS experience different venous obstruction at various stages of the said disease. However, this theory has not been entirely proven as true. The evidence regarding the relationship of CCSVI and MS are still not enough to come to a conclusion. But some MS cases may have occurred due to the impaired venous drainage within the central nervous system. Research regarding the issue is still going on.

What is the treatment for CCSVI?

Surgical procedure is the best treatment for CCSVI. A modified balloon angioplasty can be performed. Dr. Paolo Zamboni calls this as the "Liberation Procedure". The balloon is used to dilate the obstructed blood vessels within the brain. The Liberation Procedure appears to be effective in decreasing the disease severity and the relapse rates.

Another group of surgeons at Stanford University believes that opening up the veins using stents will be effective. This is a more aggressive procedure compared to the Liberation Procedure. Stenting is rarely tried within the veins, especially within the veins of the brain and the spinal cord. Stents are mostly used within arteries.

Both procedures have promising results. However, until this research will be replicated by various independent researchers, conclusions cannot yet be drawn. If this CCSVI theory will eventually become a fact, the surgeries will be improved thus decreasing the risk involved between these surgical procedures. Although these surgeries have not been proven to be the cure, these may relieve the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. But before undergoing such procedures, it is important that you consult your doctors first.

Liberation Procedure Recovery

The liberation procedure is a less invasive procedure. The patient will stay in the hospital in about 5 days postoperatively for monitoring. The recovery for the Liberation Procedure is simple and fast. Bruising is normal after the procedure. Medications will be prescribed and the patient will be instructed regarding wound care.



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