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CCSVI Protocols 


According to Dr. Paolo Zamboni’s multiple sclerosis research, CCSVI and MS are linked and CCSVI could be one of the causes of MS. CCSVI blockages in the veins that lead from the brain and spinal cord to the heart can lead to an inefficient blood flow, causing iron to deposit in the brain, a common sign of multiple sclerosis.

Keeping in line with Dr. Zamboni’s theory that CCSVI could be one of the causes of multiple sclerosis, treating CCSVI can help treat multiple sclerosis. Dr. Zamboni has developed an endovascular procedure called the Liberation Treatment that repairs blocked veins leading from the central nervous system. In CCSVI clinical trials, this procedure has been effective at treating the multiple sclerosis disease. MS sufferers who have received this multiple sclerosis treatment have seen significant improvements in their condition.  At Clinics of the Heart, we perform this CCSVI-MS treatment at three different CCSVI clinics 

 At each of our clinics, we use the following protocol for patients who undergo the Liberation Treatment for CCSVI.

Before the Procedure

First, before we can proceed, the patient or an authorized representative must sign an informed consent form in the presence of a Clinics of the Heart staff member. Signing this form indicates that the patient understands what our CCSVI protocol involves, including any possible risks.

Next, we conduct several assessments to provide clinicians with an accurate picture of the patient’s condition before the procedure. These assessments include:

The results of these assessments will be compared with the results of assessments after the procedure to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure.

During the Procedure

Before we insert the catheter to perform the venous angiography, we perform a safety laboratory test by drawing a small amount of blood from a vein. The purpose of this test is to estimate the risk related to the catheterization and angiography. If the test doesn’t reveal any serious risk, we’ll proceed to the catheterization for venous angiography and angioplasty.

The catheterization for venous angiography and angioplasty will take place as follows:

  1. A nurse will insert a small plastic tube in a vein and connect it to a fluid bag.
  2. The patient will be taken to the cath lab.
  3. The groin area will be cleaned and covered with sterile dressings.
  4. Sedation will be administered as required.
  5. A small amount of local anesthetic will be injected in the groin to numb the area.
  6. A puncture will be made in the groin followed by the insertion of a tube.
  7. A standard dose of blood thinner will be given intravenously.
  8. A catheter will be inserted through this tube to reach the azygous and jugular veins in order to perform the angiography.
  9. After locating the obstructions on each vein, a catheter-balloon will be introduced into the vein by the same approach.
  10. The balloon will be inflated to open the constriction, then deflated and removed from the body.
  11. A new angiogram will be done to confirm the opening of the treated vein before the procedure is finished.
  12. The catheter will be removed from the groin and adhesive tape will be affixed to keep the vein closed.

After that, the patient will be transported to a recovery room for a two- to three-hour stay.

Following the Procedure

After the procedure, a member of the staff will discuss the results of the procedure with the patient, family members or travel companions. If the procedure did not result in any complications, the patient will have a light meal and a nurse will remove the IV. Within 24 to 48 hours after the treatment, all patients will undergo a neurological and auditive assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure. To prevent thrombosis (blood clots), all patients will be prescribed an oral blood thinner from one week to three months as required.

Please Note: Information regarding patients with advanced disability who require hospitalization and special nursing care must be forwarded prior to travel. Also, patients who have or may have other unrelated diseases may require additional special diagnostic tests to reduce their risk during their stay with us. The staff will discuss every special condition with the patient and his or her family members or care-giving travel companions.

If you have any additional questions about what our CCSVI-MS Liberation Treatment will involve, please contact us.