CCSVI Filtering - two techniques Most Popular

By Tracey Holgado
Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency or CCSVI is a condition wherein there is a blockage in the internal jugular or azygous veins that result in the inadequate blood flow from the brain. The insufficient blood flow from the brain causes hypoxia leading to brain deterioration and long term damage. Often, this condition is attributed to Multiple Sclerosis through the work of Dr Paulo Zamboni.

CCSVI screening is thus important to prevent the degenerative effect of CCSVI. This type of procedure is non-invasive and repeatable. Here are the ways that CCSVI screening is done.

Magnetic Resonance Venography.

This is most often called MRV and is a specialized kind to the generic Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI. The procedure entails the bombardment of magnetic fields unto the body to create a map of both the interior and exterior of the individual. Since each part of the body has a different chemical composition, the particular organ registers a different reading and thus a different image is registered. In MRV, a specialized machine bombards the vascular system and the reflection of the magnetic fields determines the reading registered. If the vein is normal, including the blood flow, then particular images would result. If there is a blockage or any damage causing backflow, then the composition would be registered by the machine. The key thing to remember in doing this kind of CCSVI screening is that the proper placement of the body part as well as the proper frequency of the magnetic field should be done to get the proper reading.

ECD-TCCS.

This is two-fold sonographic test conducted for CCSVI screening. The first test is the Echo-Color-Doppler scan where a specialized sonogram is run through the neck area where the internal jugular and the azygous veins are located. As the sonogram runs, an image is produced of the condition and activity of the veins to see if there is any blockage that is present. The second part of the test is the Transcranial Color Sonography wherein the brain area, particularly the connective area between the veins and the brain are monitored using sound waves to see the activity of the blood. These CCSVI screening tests would provide the doctor a full picture of the blood flow towards the brain. In these CCSVI screening tests, there is also an ability to determine the presence of blockages or damage to the veins and determine which parts of the brain receive little or no blood at all.

In CCSVI screening, it is important to determine if there is damage or blockage in the important veins coming from the brain. The more expensive test, the MRV is very particular but is more effective in determining blood velocity and flow. Also, a full map can be made of the vascular system of the individual and eventually determine if the condition is present. On the other hand, the ECD-TCCS is a cheaper alternative of CCSVI screening but two different systems need to be integrated in order to get a full picture of the venal condition. In the end, both CCSVI screening tests can determine if there is a need for endovascular surgery in order to correct the condition and thus prevent deterioration of the brain for the individual.



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