FDA approves exablate neuro system for essential tremor treatment

Insightec announced that the FDA has approved its Exablate Neuro system for the non-invasive treatment of essential tremor (ET) in patients who have not responded to medication.

Exablate Neuro uses focused ultrasound waves to precisely target and ablate tissue deep within the brain with no incisions or implants. The treatment is done under Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) guidance for real time treatment monitoring. The patient experiences immediate tremor improvement following the outpatient procedure. The treatment carries minimal risk of infection, bleeding or other surgical complications. The treatment requires a single session with no anesthesia, allowing patients to quickly return to normal activity.



Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder, affecting more than 5 million people in the United States, and millions more worldwide. Hand tremor is the most common symptom, but tremors can also affect the head, arms, voice, legs, and torso. For these patients, performing everyday tasks presents a challenge and impacts their quality of life.

This approval by the FDA was based on clinical data from a randomized, double-blind, multi-center clinical study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of non-invasive thalamotomy with MRgFUS. A total of 76 patients were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to receive the Exablate treatment (56 patients) or the sham procedure (20 patients), the exact same procedure but without any ultrasound energy. Patients in the placebo treatment arm were later allowed to undergo an Exablate Neuro treatment. Patients treated with the Exablate Neuro showed nearly a 50% improvement in their tremors and motor function three months after treatment compared to their baseline score. Patients in the control group had no improvement, and some experienced a slight worsening after the sham procedure before they crossed over into the treatment group. A year following the procedure, the patients who underwent the Exablate Neuro procedure retained a 40% improvement in these scores compared to baseline.

“Results of this study show that Exablate Neuro is safe and effective for treating essential tremor. Finding the most effective way to manage tremor symptoms is crucial for patients. The patients we have treated show immediate tremor control, allowing them to regain ability to perform daily tasks such as eating and writing,” commented Dr. W. Jeffrey Elias, Director of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery at the University of Virginia and Principal Investigator in the study.

Earlier this year, Exablate was also approved by Health Canada for essential tremor.

“This newly FDA approved device provides a new treatment option without some of the complications associated with surgery to offer patients with essential tremor. Furthermore, it holds promise for a range of neurosurgical procedures,” noted Andres Lozano, MD, Dan Family Professor and Chairman of Neurosurgery at Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto and Investigator in the study.

“I am confident that we have arrived at a tipping point for non-invasive medical treatment. Focused ultrasound has the unique ability to precisely ablate target tissue deep within the body. With Exablate Neuro, INSIGHTEC expands its Exablate product line with a system that signifies a new era for functional neurosurgery,” stated Maurice R. Ferré MD, INSIGHTEC Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board.

Exablate Neuro also has CE mark for essential tremor, tremor dominant Parkinson’s disease and neuropathic pain.

A press release can be found from Insightec website.