FDA Approves Insightec's Exablate Neuro Compatibility With Siemens MRI Scanners

October 1, 2018 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the compatibility of Insightec’s Exablate Neuro focused ultrasound technology with Siemens Healthineers’ Magnetom Skyra, Prisma and Prisma[fit] magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to treat essential tremor (ET).

Exablate Neuro uses focused ultrasound to precisely target and accurately ablate tissue deep within the brain with no incisions. More than 1,500 medication-refractory essential tremor patients have been treated around the globe.

"Focused ultrasound is an exciting technology, through which radiology and neurosurgery expand efforts together to advance best patient care," said Satoshi Minoshima, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair in the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences at the University of Utah Health, where the Exablate is currently being installed on a Magnetom Skyra from Siemens Healthineers. "The expansion of Exablate Neuro to be compatible with Siemens Healthineers MRIs will broaden access for patients to an incisionless treatment option."

Exablate Neuro is FDA-approved to treat medication-refractory essential tremor and clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate potential applications in the treatment of various neurological diseases.

For more information: www.insightec.com, www.usa.healthcare.siemens.com