CCSVI Alliance is pleased that Montel Williams has experienced symptom relief from his recent CCSVI venoplasty procedure, and that he is speaking about it with the media--including interviews with CTV News and the Dr. Oz program. As more people with MS learn about CCSVI and the venoplasty procedure utilized to correct venous malformations, CCSVI Alliance feels that it is important to clarify what this procedure is and how the research is developing at this time.
Dr. Oz mentions the risks involved in an experimental procedure, and he is correct. Although angioplasty is safely performed around the world with over 2 million procedures each year, the use of angioplasty to treat venous malformations thought to be associated with MS is relatively new.
This is why CCSVI Alliance recommends that patients only seek treatment through clinical trials, or with treatment centers that have internal review board (IRB) approval. This provides independent oversight and ensures that patients are receiving the best care. CCSVI Alliance does not recommend medical tourism, as local aftercare and follow up are recommended after venoplasty.
Montel spoke passionately about his fear of pwMS being deceived by con artists and worried that desperate patients would undertake international travel searching for a cure. This was a concern in 2009 and 2010, but currently we have reputable and safe treatment options for CCSVI in the US. To our knowledge, none of the practicing physicians currently treating call CCSVI venoplasty a cure for MS.
Montel was treated through the Hubbard Foundation in San Diego, CA, This group has a clinical trial and is compiling pre and post treatment data in a registry. This data will help clarify which patients receive the most benefit from venoplasty, and how blood flow to and from the brain is affected by treatment. The Hubbard registry is affiliated with treatment clinics across the US. Locations are found on the 2nd link below.
Link to Hubbard Foundation Registry on Clinical Trials
Link to Hubbard Registry Locations
Other treatment centers currently involved in clinical trials
Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center Link to BNAC
Community Care Physicians in Albany, NY
Link to Community Care on Clinical Trials
The Vascular Group in Albany, NY
Link to Vascular Group on Clinical Trials
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Venoplasty for CCSVI does not involve dilating the veins inside the brain, as stated by Dr. Oz. The veins that are typically treated in CCSVI venoplasty are the internal jugular veins and the azygos veins, found outside the skull-in the neck and the chest. For more information on how CCSVI is treated:
Treatment Link
Dr. Zamboni began his studies into venous insufficiency a decade ago, and is a world-reknowned vascular surgeon and researcher. He has overseen the treatment of hundreds of Italian MS patients, including his wife Elena, and his peer-reviewed and published research papers are available on his Foundation’s website-
Fondazione Hilarescere
Dr. Zamboni is currently beginning a large clinical trial at many treatment centers throughout Italy. Information on this study is available here:
Brave Dreams Trial
CCSVI Alliance has been working hard over the past two years to bring doctors together to discuss research and to provide patients and caregivers with clear and up to date information. We realize that there are many sources available on the internet, and not all information is accurate.
For those interested in reading more on Dr. Zamboni's research and the history of the vascular connection to MS, we recommend the book authored by by our Patient Advisory Board member, Marie Rhodes--
CCSVI as the Cause of Multiple Sclerosis: The Science Behind the Controversial Theory (McFarland Health Topics)
Link to book on Amazon
We hope that you will utilize our website as a definitive resource. We have many excellent and informative articles, videos and interviews posted on our website.
CCSVI Alliance
Sharon Richardson, President
CCSVI Alliance
