A global leader in MR guided focused ultrasound technology for image guided acoustic surgery, InSightec Ltd reported that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) of the NHS in the UK, announced new guidelines favourable to the treatment of uterine fibroids using MR guided focused ultrasound.

The new guidelines state that current evidence of efficacy of transcutaneous focused ultrasound guided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for uterine fibroids and safety are adequate evidence to support the use of this procedure under normal arrangements.

As part of the evaluation of interventional procedures the committee has reviewed dozens of peer-reviewed papers describing more than 1,000 patients treated with the ExAblate system.  

The specialist advisors indicated the key performance efficiency and quality of life, improvement of symptoms, avoid further surgery and subsequent fertility. NICE said that the committee was informed that many women wish to avoid more invasive interventions for symptomatic fibroids, even if their choices played an increasing opportunity to require more treatments. Some women chose this procedure because they wanted to preserve their fertility.

"We are delighted about this news, which recognizes the importance of MR-guided focused ultrasound as noninvasive treatment option without wasting cancer for women," said Dr. Kobi Vortman , President and CEO of InSightec Ltd. "NICE account global prestige and these new guidelines should help build awareness of this revolutionary new technology for noninvasive outpatient aimed at women and their physicians around the world. "

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

InSightec Ltd., headquartered near Haifa, Israel, is a private company owned by Elbit Imaging, General Electric, MediTech Advisors, LLC and employees. The company was founded in 1999 to develop the advanced technology of MR guided Focused Ultrasound and transform it into the next generation operating room.