NICE Issues Updated Guidance for MR Guided Focused Ultrasound for Uterine Fibroids

TIRAT CARMEL, Israel, November 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- Evidence Sufficient to Support the Use of This Procedure With Normal Arrangements -

InSightec Ltd announced that NICE, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence of the NHS in the UK, announced new favorable guidelines for the treatment of uterine fibroids using MR guided Focused Ultrasound. The new guidelines state that the current evidence on the efficacy of magnetic resonance image (MRI)-guided transcutaneous focused ultrasound treatment for uterine fibroids and evidence on safety are adequate to support the use of this procedure under normal arrangements.

As part of the interventional procedures evaluation process the committee reviewed dozens of peer reviewed papers describing over one thousand patients treated with ExAblate system.  

The Specialist Advisers listed key efficacy outcomes as quality of life, symptom improvement, avoidance of further surgery, and subsequent fertility. NICE made a point of stating that the Committee was informed that many women wish to avoid more invasive interventions for symptomatic fibroids, even if this choice carries an increased chance of requiring further treatments. Some women choose this procedure because they wish to preserve their fertility.

"We are delighted with this news which recognizes the importance of MR guided focused ultrasound as a non-invasive uterine-sparing treatment option for women."  stated Dr. Kobi Vortman, President and CEO of InSightec Ltd. "NICE is world renown and these new guidelines should help build awareness of this breakthrough, non-invasive outpatient technology  to women and their physicians around the world."  

The new guidelines (IPG413) replace previous guidelines (IPG231) issued in 2007.

About InSightec

InSightec Ltd. is a privately-held company owned by Elbit Imaging, General Electric, MediTech Advisors, LLC and employees. It was founded in 1999 to develop the breakthrough MR guided Focused Ultrasound technology and transform it into the next generation operating room. Headquartered near Haifa, Israel, the company has over 130 employees and has invested more than $150 million in research, development, and clinical investigations. Its U.S. headquarters are located in Dallas, Texas. ExAblate has won several awards for innovation and its potential to help mankind including the 2004 Wall St. Journal Technology Innovation Awards - Bronze Medal and Second Place and the 2004 European Union's IST grand prize for innovation and potential to benefit mankind. Time Magazine recently included it among the 50 best inventions.

Media Contact:
Lynn Golumbic
+1-866-645-6663 x0 x309
+972(4)813-1309
lynng@insightec.com