Thanks to Cece on TIMS for finding this new patent---a device company in Silicon Valley is patenting a new invention--a prosthetic replacement valve for the internal jugular vein, to treat CCSVI.

http://www.facebook.com/notes/ccsvi-in-multiple-sclerosis/ccsvi-venous-valves-and-silicon-valley/10150916922262211

link to patent

Invention and innovation is an important part of moving CCSVI treatment forward.  And the fact that a high profile device company is working on a way to do this is a good sign.  It means that they believe there is something there to treat.  Device companies do not spend their dollars on imaginary diseases or snake oil treatments.  They only proceed if they believe there is a market for their inventions.

This is the company:

Hotspur is currently commercializing its three products that have obtained 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; the Company's IQCath™ Catheter has also received CE Mark approval. These devices are focused on solving some of the key challenges associated with restoring blood flow to blocked or low flow dialysis access grafts and fistulaes and peripheral vessels. 

link

Working venous valves are essential, and it appears that there may be a congenital malformation in many of the valves in pwMS.  Dr. Dake gave a wonderful presentation at the Hubbard Foundation conference last month on the importance of venous valves.  Valves are not just about gravity---which is why we find them in horizontal animals, like snakes.  Valves appear in parts of the anatomy where there is muscular compression--like the neck and gastrointestinal systems.  We need working valves to prevent refluxive flow during times of muscular compression and valsalva manuever.

Hubbard conference notes

This goes hand in hand with the research of the Taiwanese neurological group that has been studying the problem of insufficient valves in the jugular veins of the elderly.  These broken valves allow blood to reflux during times of stress, muscular compression and valsalva manuever---and, according to their research, lead to TIAs, transient global amnesia and stroke.

Research on IJVVI

I also want to stress, again---that valves are important.  Please be careful if your treating IR wants to remove a working valve.  We are still in the beginning stages of understanding the function of valves in the jugular veins. But the doctors I trust most have commented that these valves are necessary.  And it appears a medical device company is banking on this, as well.  Always look at what Silicon Valley thinks is important.

(I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Jeff, Dr. Dake, Facebook and my MacBook---all from northern CA!)

Be well, and be encouraged--

Joan