BARRIE - Barrie’s Dr. Sandy McDonald is accepting 250 patients for a clinical study to observe treatments for Multiple Sclerosis.
McDonald is a cardiovascular thoracic surgeon and in 2010 he performed six angioplasty-type treatments on MS patients in the hopes of improving symptoms.
But those treatments were soon halted and residents were instead travelling abroad to have the liberation treatment.
This summer, the federal government announced a clinical study for people treated for Chronic Cerebral Spinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI).
And McDonald is participating.
“We have two different studies,” said Angela Legace, chief stenographer and office manager at Barrie Vascular Imaging.
Patients can call the office to see if they qualify. Then a baseline ultrasound will be done to check their veins.
“We didn’t get government funding for it. It costs $250,” said Legace.
Then, the patient is asked to find his or her own clinic in the United States or abroad to have the angioplasty surgery done. Legace said the office doesn’t make referrals, it’s up to the patient to choose a clinic to get the surgery done.
The patient will then return to the Barrie clinic to have follow-up ultrasounds post surgery.
“It’s an observational study. So we can find out does this work or doesn’t it. No one’s allowing the treatment yet,” said Legace. “Hopefully the government turns around and tells us we can do it. But it has to be proved first.”
She said the ultrasounds would likely be done after six months, a year and 18 months, so the study should be wrapped up by 2013. “The data will show what happens over time. Do complications show up later? Does it matter where they had the surgery done or the size of balloon used?”
The second study is to follow anyone who has had the CCSVI liberation treatment. There’s no patient limit to that study, said Legace. “It will give us more statistical data on any complications. It doesn’t matter where you got it done.”

Legace said any MS patient who has already had treatment is already advised to have a follow-up ultrasound a few months after the procedure. From November 2009, she’s already seen 1,100 patients post surgery.
Patients can call Barrie Vascular Imaging 705-722-8738, but Legace said they’re inundated with calls and patience is requested. People interested in participating in a study can also email Legace at alagace@southmedic.com. 

http://www.simcoe.com/news/article/1228766--barrie-doctor-observing-ccsvi-patients