Dr. Michael Arata MD, Dr. Bill Code MD and Dr. Teri Jaklin ND came together in two public information sessions in August to expand on the evolution of CCSVI, discuss benefits and potential outcomes, and encourage supportive measures for people living with CCSVI. Watch the videos from these sessions below to learn the latest developments in the CCSVI community.
I have been asked to share my thoughts on renal veins.
The jugular and azygous veins are the veins responsible for CCSVI. In the vast majority of cases this is from a malformed valve. When the flow in these veins is blocked the body has natural alternatives for draining the blood. In the jugular system the thyroidal and external jugular are the major alternative draining veins. The supreme intercostal vein and lumbar veins are the alternative veins for the azygous system. Less commonly the left renal vein provides alternative drainage. When the left renal is an alternative it is almost always in the setting of hemiazygos vein compression.
The important points are:
A) The renal veins do not directly cause CCSVI.
B) The left renal vein is rarely involved with CCSVI, as an alternative.
C) The left renal vein drainage is most often seen with hemiazygos vein compression.
Pathology of the left renal vein is quite unusual. Based on my evaluation with IVUS and review of literature it is not associated with a valve problem. Left renal vein abnormalities are caused by compression of the vein. When present it may cause flank pain or blood in urine.
Renal vein abnormalities are rare. I feel safe stating that I have treated as many hemiazygos compressions as anyone. In my experience hemiazygos compression is rare. Finding a patient with hemiazygos compression AND left renal vein compression is like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack!
So how would one identify when the renal vein is play a role, any role in CCSVI. Well first of all it would be evaluated last. What I mean by that is, you evaluate the azygous and hemiazygos veins. You correct any problems found in these veins. After treating the azygos and hemiazygos if you still have left renal drainage it means one thing. Blood is finding it easier to flow in the renal rather than the azygous. Logically one would try and search for the lesion blocking azygos/hemiazygos flow. If not found are able to be corrected I suppose one could make sure the left renal was wide open. Intuitively, this would be known since venous blood always flows in the direction of lowest pressure. The azygos blood draining into the left renal IMPLIES a normal renal.
For the sake of argument that all these rare events all came together in a single patient. Azygos/hemiazygos abnormality that could not be correct and alternative drainage into a left renal…that is abnormal. Well the treatment would be to stent the compressed renal vein. Balloon angioplasty of a compressed vein is not the standard of care for 2011.
So in summary. Renal vein involvement in CCSVI intuitively impossible and if it actually occurs exceedingly rare. If it ever were found it would be discovered after thorough treatment of the azygos/hemiazygos system. (renal vein treatment prior to azygos/hemiazygos should not EVER occur). In the off chance all this occurs, treatment of the left renal vein would be using a stent, NOT a balloon.
This is my opinion on renal veins and CCSVI. If another physician has a different opinion. I welcome a rebuttal on my Facebook page.
Synergy Health Concepts has developed a registry to advance research regarding venous vascular obstructions in neurodegenerative diseases.
Synergy Health Concepts has developed a registry to advance research regarding venous vascular obstructions in neurodegenerative diseases. With two IRB approvals and on-going data collection, Synergy Health Concepts is positioned to contribute substantially to CCSVI research.
All eligible adult patients seeking treatment at Synergy Health Concepts may volunteer by contributing their past, current and future medical records to the registry.
“We are committed to CCSVI research and making advancements in the medical field,” said Synergy physician Dr. Joseph Hewett. “This registry is will serve as a solid foundation for conducting research studies for many years to come.”
It is anticipated that the research registry will assist investigators by allowing them to review and study the medical records of many individuals to answer questions about CCSVI and its treatment.
Studies indicate that a phenomenon called Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous
Insufficiency (CCSVI), an abnormality in blood drainage from the brain and spinal cord, may contribute to chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis. However, there is other data that suggests the contrary. Since many questions remain, there is a need for extensive further research.
“Although we have made great strides and many of our patients have seen amazing results, there is still much to be learned.” said Synergy physician Dr. Michael Arata. “Many great advancements in medicine have resulted from research involving the collection and analysis of the medical records of patients with a certain disease or condition.”
Prior to the procedure, patients will complete a questionnaire. The patient will then have a consultation with a physician, a Haacke MRV and undergo venography with possible angioplasty and/or stent placement. Each participating patient will complete protocols and a follow-up questionnaire at 6 and 12 months.
Synergy is also conducting a pilot study of 30 patients to evaluate venous structures using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). This will assist in sub-classifying vein valves to provide insight as to which patients have positive outcomes.
Synergy’s commitment to CCSVI is evidenced through their ongoing research and regular tours to provide free public information seminars. Their doctors are currently touring Eastern Canada to meet with CCSVI patients and give presentations.
About Synergy Health Concepts:
The team at Pacific Interventionalists launched Synergy Health Concepts to focus specifically on CCSVI treatment and care. Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) is characterized by veins that are not adequately able to carry blood from the brain and central nervous system to the heart. Synergy performs various procedures to help relieve CCSVI symptoms. Synergy is a comprehensive medical group that takes a “one-center” approach to CCSVI treatment – patients travel internationally to the center in Costa Mesa, Calif. Synergy specialists work with patients from diagnosis to treatment, as well as post procedure physio and physical therapy.
Synergy is on tour again – this time in Eastern Canada! Guest speakers, Drs. Code and Jaklin, will join Dr. Arata to speak about CCSVI at our free public information sessions. Come join us August 24th in London, Ontario or the 26th in Barrie, Ontario. Click here for times, maps and info.
At Synergy Health Concepts, we are deeply committed to forwarding the cause of CCSVI. We see firsthand the painful battles that our patients face every day. As you know, surgery of any kind has both risks and benefits. We believe it is important for you and your doctor to discuss your options, so you can decide what is best for you. Although HIPAA laws prevent us from disclosing anything about our individual patients, we have performed over 900 procedures and the number continues to grow every day. During this time, we have had two neurologic complications consisting of one hemorrhagic stroke and one non-hemorrhagic stroke. In addition, the post procedure incidence rate of MS flairs and bleeding from the puncture site is less than two percent; vein thrombus/clot formation is less than four percent.
All physicians at Synergy Health are fellowship trained in image-guided and endovascular procedures and are board certified in general surgery, vascular surgery, or phlebology (the study of veins). Our physicians have 60 years combined experience with the treatment of venous stenoses and venous abnormalities and have extensive experience with stenoses of the jugular, azygos and other veins associated with CCSVI. Synergy Health is one of the highest volume centers in the world, performing more than 12 CCSVI procedures a day. Our expertise and knowledge of venous disease is unmatched, making us the leader in the treatment of patients with CCSVI.
PTS Solutions to offer customized ground transportation services for CCSVI patients
COSTA MESA, Calif. (June 21, 2020) – Synergy Health Concepts, a renowned medical group focused on CCSVI treatment and care, today announced it has partnered with Pacific Transportation Solutions (PTS) to offer its patients customized ground transportation services during their stay in Orange County.
“We have patients that travel many miles to our Costa Mesa facility,” said Synergy physician Dr. Joseph Hewett. “Many are in wheelchairs or have difficulty walking – we want the entire CCSVI treatment experience to be comfortable for them.”
PTS is Synergy’s exclusive ground transportation provider. If patients choose to use these services, all airline flights, doctor’s appointments, consultations, tests and procedures are automatically sent from Synergy physicians to PTS.
“Our goal is to eliminate stress wherever possible,” said Dr. Hewett. “By partnering with PTS, we can lift the burden of travel coordination, so patients can focus on their treatment and recovery.”
PTS uses a brand-new handicap accessible van and can provide airport pickup and drop-off from LAX and the John Wayne Airport; as well as transportation to and from all scheduled appointments while in Orange County. To avoid the costly gratuities usually associated with traveling, all costs are upfront and inclusive.
“We are excited to offer our patients the complete package,” said Synergy physician Dr. Todd Harris. “Synergy’s world-renowned staff and facilities, teamed with PTS’ services, will create a seamless experience during their stay in Orange County.”
In addition to ground transportation services, Synergy offers patients help in scheduling their travel and accommodations. The consultation, procedure and physio and physical therapy are conveniently performed in one center.
# # #
About Synergy Health Concepts:
The team at Pacific Interventionalists launched Synergy Health Concepts to focus specifically on CCSVI treatment and care. Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) is characterized by veins that are not adequately able to carry blood from the brain and central nervous system to the heart.
Synergy performs various procedures to help relieve CCSVI symptoms. Synergy is a comprehensive medical group that takes a “one-center” approach to CCSVI treatment – patients travel internationally to the center in Costa Mesa, Calif. Synergy patients work with Drs. Hewett, Arata, Grewal and Harris. Synergy’s team of doctors have more than 60 years combined experience in treating vein diseases and perform at least 30 venous procedures a day.
Synergy specialists work with patients from diagnosis to treatment, as well as post procedure physio and physical therapy. For more information about CCSVI and Synergy Health Concepts, visit http://www.synergyhealthconcepts.com/.
Synergy Health Concepts is the only medical group worldwide focused specifically on CCSVI treatment and care
COSTA MESA, Calif. (May 2, 2020) – The team at Pacific Interventionalists, a renowned medical group specializing in the targeted treatment of various diseases, has launched a new company, Synergy Health Concepts, to focus specifically on CCSVI treatment and care.
“Over the past year, the physicians at Pacific Interventionalists have recognized the increasing complexity of CCSVI care,” said Dr. Joseph Hewitt. “As one of the leaders in CCSVI treatment, we realized the need to form a specialized medical group to improve the comprehensive offering to patients.”
Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency results in the blockage and narrowing of veins – elective treatment involves a variety of techniques. In the majority of cases, an IV is placed into a larger vein in the groin area. From this location, small catheters are navigated into the neck and chest veins using fluoroscopy or X-ray guidance.
If a narrowing within the vein is seen, angioplasty of the blockage can help open the narrowing and restore normal blood flow through the vein. Occasionally, balloon angioplasty does not improve the size of the vein and placement of a small stent is required.
“By forming Synergy, we feel we can further improve the care we deliver to our patients,” said Dr. Todd Harris. “This involves all facets of the CCSVI treatment process, including the initial imaging and diagnosis, procedure, travel to our facilities, and post-op follow-up and research.”
Synergy patients will be working with the same physicians as Pacific Interventionalists. Drs. Hewett, Arata, Grewal and Harris have more than 60 years combined experience in treating vein diseases and perform at least 30 venous procedures a day.
Patients travel from all over the world to the Synergy facility located in Costa Mesa, Calif. Synergy offers patients and their families help in scheduling their travel and accommodations. In addition, the consultation, procedure and physio and physical therapy are performed in one center.
“There is no other medical group in the world, similar to Synergy, that offers a singular focus on treating CCSVI, comprehensive care and commitment to forwarding research in the field,” said Dr. Harris.
Recently, Synergy physicians headed out on a month-long tour of Canada to meet with patients, provide presentations, and share their expertise. Hundred attended the tour, further confirming the need for focused CCSVI services.
# # #
About Synergy Health Concepts:
The team at Pacific Interventionalists launched Synergy Health Concepts to focus specifically on CCSVI treatment and care. Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) is characterized by veins that are not adequately able to carry blood from the brain and central nervous system to the heart. Synergy performs various procedures to help relieve CCSVI symptoms. Synergy is a comprehensive medical group that takes a “one-center” approach to CCSVI treatment – patients travel internationally to the center in Costa Mesa, Calif. Synergy specialists work with patients from diagnosis to treatment, as well as post procedure physio and physical therapy. For more information about CCSVI and Synergy Health Concepts, visit http://www.synergyhealthconcepts.com/.