CCSVI & MS Studies - Updated information from the False Creek Healthcare Center

A collaboration with the leading research groups on the link between CCSVI and MS

We are very pleased to offer Canadian and International patients the opportunity to undergo MRV/MRI and also doppler studies for the diagnosis of CCSVI. Our 3TGE MRI machine is fully equipped with state of the art technology inaccessible in any public hospital in Canada. We are collaborating with the leading research groups on the link between CCSVI and MS. We are using the MRI protocol put forward by Doctor E. Mark Haacke.

What To Expect

When you come in for your diagnostic you may either have the MRI and the Doppler Ultrasound on the same day, this is preferable or you may schedule the scans on different days.

Doppler Ultrasound portion of detecting CCSVI
The Doppler Ultrasound takes approximately 30 minutes and is performed by a radiologist who is trained in CCSVI detection. It’s important to note that we do not use a technician for this service. This means that you can discuss the findings directly with the radiologist who will be providing you with a report after you have had your scan.

MRI portion of detecting CCSVI
The 3 Tesla MRI scan includes a scan of your brain, neck, and upper chest. This scan takes approximately 90 minutes to 120 minutes. Our protocols for the MRI are carefully monitored by our radiology team and Doctor Haacke’s team. It is important to note that our experience with many patients has led to us becoming an ‘Alpha’ site for CCSVI diagnosis. Our neuroradiologists have gained considerable experience in all the different protocols that will help in CCVI detection.

Your MRI Report
Your MRI report can be used by Interventional Radiologists at the time of venography. You can request a follow up consultation for a detailed explanation of your results. You will also have the option for us to send your images to Dr. Haacke’s team for post processing iron quantification and flow quantification analysis. Dr. Haacke’s analysis will be a useful tool if you return in the months to come after your Liberation Treatment. We will then be able to assess wether this heavy metal content has decreased in your brain. An example of Dr. Haacke’s analysis can be viewed here (pdf).

Please note, the only way you can definitely make a diagnosis about CCSVI is at venography, this means at the time of Liberation. The reports that our doctors will provide for patients are what’s required for any interventional radiologist to go to venography.

Our staff can take care of accommodations, transportation and other questions regarding your visit to Vancouver. Please contact us if you are interested in a travel or visitors package to our clinic.

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