The Alberta government will fund an observational study on the safety and effects of venous procedures, including the Zamboni Treatment, for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The government is also committing to fund clinical trials if and when it is safe and ethical to proceed.

The goal is to determine the safety and patient-reported impact of Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) treatment procedures. The information will be used to determine whether to move forward with future clinical trials and to determine the follow-up care needs of Albertans who have received treatment for CCSVI. The venous procedures are not approved for use in Canada.

The three-year study will begin this spring. Albertans who received treatment for CCSVI in another country, those who are scheduled to receive it and other Albertans with MS are eligible to participate.

In conjunction with the study, a secure MS research website and database will be developed where Albertans can volunteer and consent to participate in the study, as well as report on treatment they received.

Becoming the Best: Alberta's 5-Year Health Action Plan, was announced Nov. 30, 2010, providing Albertans with clear direction on what they can expect from their health care system. A copy of the plan is available at www.health.alberta.ca.

Dave Quest is the Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Strathcona Constituency. If you have any comments or questions concerning this column or other provincial government issues, please contact Dave at his constituency office located at #168 – 2301 Premier Way, Sherwood Park, T8H 2K8. Telephone: 780-416-2492 or e-mail: Strathcona@assembly.ab.ca.

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