What Do You Think About The TVAM Procedure?

10/4/2014

Here is My Question:
What do you think about this?
http://blog.autonomicspecialists.com/new-treatment/

Answer:
I think we can wait until this is peer reviewed by autonomic specialists AND multiple controlled trials are done with confirmatory results; There is a significant literature on transvascular (venous and arterial approaches) stimulation or modulation, usually through pacing or ablation, of the autonomic nervous system for arrhythmias and even refractory hypertension; but one would not expect any prolonged effects with balloon dilation of a vein. One could argue that this procedure represents nothing more than the "liberation procedure" searching for a mechanism of action.

This happens all the time in medicine, and there is nothing wrong with this approach; remember interferons were first used in MS for their proposed anti-viral effects. But no one would have pursued these studies further without preliminary controlled studies showing a benefit. Uncontrolled studies with subjective outcomes rarely provide any significant evidence of benefit.

This procedure is similar to the liberation procedure advocated for CCSVI and we know the outcome of that story.

-Rip Kinkel, MD

3 Comments

Scott

2/20/2016 12:08:20 pm

So what would you suggest for a 44-year old father that has to tell his kids "sorry, daddy can't play with you, daddy can't coach your team, daddy can't... but just wait 20 years, there are some promising treatments that might help daddy that the doctors are working on. Daddy will be 64 (if he is still alive), we'll catch up then when you kids are in your thirties". What would you do if you faced a life of constant dizziness/balance/mobility issues and you are faced with the choices 1. take drugs that don't help symptoms and don't really do much else but almost guarantee side effects or 2. take the chance on something with little risk that may prove to be part of the treatment of the future in conjunction with stem cell therapy. If it works, great, if it doesn't, I'm no worse off and at least I tried. If the medical powers that be finish their studies in twenty years, they will be off celebrating, which is great, and they will tell me "Good news, we have a treatment protocol... bad news, it's too late for you".

Daniel

8/25/2016 08:16:40 am

Follow your heart my friend. I've been taking mess that do absolutely nothing for me. I'm doing stem cell in another country of CCSVI. I feel I have nothing to lose & my life back to gain. Good luck.

Dr Kinkel

2/22/2016 08:26:24 pm

We can only provide advice related to specific questions on this site or help you think through a difficult decision given the information you provide. My initial response to your question falls into the later category. With knowing you, your history, your examination, your imaging evaluations, your prior treatments, your other medical problems and your goals, it is impossible to advise you on the best approach to manage your condition. I can tell you with confidence that there will never be a single solution to your illness and your concerns. You are understandably frustrated and the reasons for your frustration are not a mystery. Many of our treatments are difficult to tolerate and often do not provide the relief you are seeking. I would suggest that you address your specific concerns and goals with your current doctors. Help them help you find solutions that work. These solutions will require more than medications and will likely require a lot of work on your part, since nothing worth while is easy. If they are unwilling or unable to provide useful solutions or are unable to articulate why one of your goals is unachievable, seek out other care providers. Keep in touch and good luck with your journey.

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