Treating CCSVI: Liberation Method & Beyond

Anyone following news in the world of multiple sclerosis has become aware of the work of Italian physician Dr. Paolo Zamboni. In 2008 Dr. Zamboni achieved international renown when he identified the presence of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) syndrome to be a reliable indicator of the development of multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Zamboni’s work suggests that treating patients for CCSVI has the potential of slowing or reversing the debilitating effects of Multiple Sclerosis. The treatment (coined “the Liberation Method”) is a simple procedure which unblocks restricted blood flow from the brain.

Researchers believe the venous system in people with CCSVI is unable to evacuate blood from the central nervous system back to the heart due to a narrowing of the veins in the neck, chest and spine - a process called stenosis.

When blood flow encounters narrowed or blocked veins, it creates alternate blood vessels returning to the brain in an attempt to discharge the central nervous system blood. It is believed that blood breaches the walls of these collateral blood vessels leaving iron deposits in the adjacent tissue.

The CCSVI condition has been linked in clinical research to MS, and reported research appears to demonstrate that CCSVI strongly differentiates healthy individuals from MS sufferers.

In the Liberation protocol, two diagnostic procedures - a Doppler ultrasound of the neck and brain to detect the presence of blood reflux, followed by a venography (dye injection) to assess blood flow and possible stenosis - evaluates the need for treatment of CCSVI.

Early Results

In an open study of 65 patients, Dr. Zamboni reported a lasting positive effect of angioplasty on MS patients with CSVI - with more than 70% of these patients not experiencing a recurrence of symptoms 2 years after receiving treatment.

These study results are transforming the current understanding of MS in the medical community. Hospital Angeles Tijuana is proud to be at the forefront of this advancement in medical treatment.