[Image from Insightec]
The Exablate Neuro is an ultrasound device that is FDA-approved to treat medication refractory essential tremor patients using non-invasive magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy, in a procedure called Neuravive. It targets and treats deep within the brain through the skull, according to the company.
Exablate Neuro ultrasound transducers focus 1024 ultrasound waves to create enough heat to be able to ablate a targeted tissue. When performed, there has been shown to be an immediate and significant reduction in hand tremors.
During treatment, the patient lies on the Exablate Neuro treatment bed in an MRI scanner. Using an MRI enables high resolution visualization, patient-specific treatment planning and continuous monitoring during the procedure.Thermal feedback is in real-time allows the physician to control focused ultrasound treatment to make sure targeted tissue is ablated.
The Galien Foundation, the host of the awards, hands out the the Prix Galien Award annually to examples of outstanding biomedical and technology product achievement designed to improve human condition.
Before candidates can qualify for the award, their products need to have been FDA approved for market within the last five years, and they have to show major potential to impact healthcare.
Other nominees for the award included Abbott’s CardioMEMS, Boston Scientific’s Watchman and more.
