VANCOUVER — British Columbia has launched a patient registry to track the positive and negative effects of a controversial treatment for multiple sclerosis.

The registry for the CCSVI (chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency) procedure, often referred to as "liberation therapy," was developed by the University of B.C. Hospital MS Clinic. The B.C. Health Ministry is providing $700,000 toward the registry.

The move nudges B.C. researchers one step closer to their hope of performing clinical trials of the treatment, which is still considered experimental by the Ministry of Health and therefore, not funded.

Some MS patients have sought the treatment elsewhere, at a typical cost of $10,000 to $20,000, including travel expenses.

Kathy Hutchinson of Langley, B.C., who underwent the procedure in San Diego in September 2010, said she has felt much better physically and cognitively since and "of course it's a good thing" B.C. is now exploring its effectiveness.

"It never should have been a question or a fight for any of us involved," said Hutchinson, 56. "It's a logical thing and a sane thing, and it seems to be lost on the powers that be.

"We have a sovereign right to elect the treatment of our own bodies, and I think it's a huge injustice to be denied that right."

The CCSVI procedure revolves around the theory that a narrowing of the veins that carry blood to the brain and spinal cord has a possible association with MS, according to a news release from Vancouver Coastal Health. The theory is that the narrowed veins create congestion of the blood, leading to iron deposits and resulting in attacks of inflammation.

The treatment involves an angioplasty procedure by insertion of either a balloon or a coated metal stent. However, stents in the veins can dislodge or migrate to the heart, causing blockages, hemorrhaging and other complications.

An increasing number of patients in B.C. has been seeking out the treatment, said Dr. Tony Traboulsee, medical director of the University of B.C. Hospital MS Clinic, who will oversee the registry with Dr. Dessa Sadovnick, professor of medical genetics and neurology at UBC.

"Often they are uncertain as to whether to tell their neurologist they have had the procedure, and in turn neurologists are uncertain as to appropriate after-care," Traboulsee said in the release. "Our goal is to establish provincewide standards of care and better understand both the benefits and the risks for MS patients."

Patients who enroll in the registry will be followed for three years via four telephone interview surveys, asking them about the procedure, their health, their activities and their MS. As well, patients may be asked to provide medical records.

Findings will be analyzed and made public at certain points throughout the three-year period, with identities kept private.