dr. arata - csvi -- research -- connection -- ms

[blossom]

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., June 11, 2014--(PR Newswire)--

Noted Interventional Radiologist Unveils a Modified Approach to the Treatment of Autonomic Dysfunction in MS Patients

PR Newswire

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., June 11, 2014


NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., June 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study sheds light on the positive effect of a venous procedure upon the sympathetic nervous system. Researchers were able to pinpoint how the procedure improved the abnormal sympathetic function found in patients with many chronic conditions including Multiple Sclerosis. Additionally, the study may offer insight on the beneficial effects of Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) treatment.

Newport Beach Interventional Radiologist, Michael Arata, MD, has co-authored the study, which will be published in the June 2014 issue of Journal of Endovascular Therapy. The study, performed by Dr. Arata and his research associate, Zohara Sternberg, PhD, found that using an angioplasty balloon to stimulate vein-associated nerves increased sympathetic activity. This treatment for autonomic dysfunction shows promise for patients who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, an inflammatory disease that causes damage to the central nervous system and can lead to paralysis.

Dr. Arata has spent more than a decade performing angioplasty and has been at the forefront of research for CCSVI, a venous condition in which blood flow from the brain is restricted. "There is a possibility that improved autonomic function may diminish symptoms and have an impact on the course of the disease," explained Dr. Arata, who serves as Medical Director at Synergy Health Concepts in Newport Beach and has performed more than 2000 procedures on patients with autonomic-associated disease, maintaining a high clinical (patient response) success rate in excess of 90% in a recent study group.

"The current study demonstrates the procedure's effect on autonomic function, offering an explanation for why patients may see symptom improvement with venous ballooning even though separate studies have failed to show a relationship between venous obstruction and Multiple Sclerosis. The mechanism of symptom improvement is improved autonomic tone rather than relief of flow obstruction," he said.

About Michael Arata, M.D.

A graduate of UCSF School of Medicine, Dr. Arata completed his four year residency at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Arata is certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. He has been caring for patients with autonomic dysfunction for four years, and he established the first endovascular treatment center focused on treating autonomic dysfunction, located in Newport Beach, CA.