Clinical Trials

3 studies in Epilepsy

1. Pilot Study to Evaluate MR-guided Laser Ablation of Focal Lesions in Patients With Medically Refractory Partial Epilepsy Jacksonville, FL Rochester, MN View Summary
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   Pilot Study to Evaluate MR-guided Laser Ablation of Focal Lesions in Patients With Medically Refractory Partial Epilepsy

   Location:

   Jacksonville, FL Rochester, MN

   Trial status:

   Open for Enrollment

   Why is this study being done?

   In this study, we propose to evaluate a novel, thermal therapy and feedback system (Visualase® Thermal Therapy System) as an alternative to surgical resection for the treatment of focal lesional epilepsy in patients that are considered high risk surgical candidates. This system includes the FDA-cleared Visualase Cooled Laser Applicator System (VCLAS), which allows delivery of laser energy while the patient is being imaged by an MRI unit. The Visualase® System works via real-time MR thermal imaging (MRTI) to provide information on the thermal dose delivered to the target, resulting in a more precise and controlled delivery which has heretofore not been possible with previous non-image guided laser technology. We hypothesize that the Visualase system can be used in patients refractory to medication therapy in a minimally invasive procedure to destroy epileptogenic focal lesions in the brain.

   NCT ID:

   NCT01703143

   IRB Number:

   10-007909

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   Who can I contact for additional information about this study?

   Rochester: Karla Crockett 507-538-4880
                       
   
   Jacksonville: Riann Boyd 904-953-7975
                       
   

2. Arterial Spin Labeling MRI Focal Abnormalities in Refractory Epilepsy Rochester, MN View Summary
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   Arterial Spin Labeling MRI Focal Abnormalities in Refractory Epilepsy

   Location:

   Rochester, MN

   Trial status:

   Open for Enrollment

   Why is this study being done?

   Currently, in presurgical evaluation of epilepsy patients, PET and SPECT studies are utilized to evaluate metabolic and perfusion abnormalities respectively to localize seizure onset. This is especially true in "MRI negative" patients, whose lesion is not visible on standard MRI techniques. PET and SPECT studies have numerous disadvantages, including radiation exposure, injection of contrast or isotopes, cost, and are often difficult to access for many patients. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI sequences show perfusion related abnormalities without using contrast, in a relatively short amount of time, and can be done during a normal MRI for evaluation of epilepsy. This is of interest because if there is a good correlation, ASL MRI sequences could be used in addition, or in place of, these other studies that require injection of isotopes and radiation from CT scans.

   NCT ID:

   NCT01772654

   IRB Number:

   12-006882

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3. Ketogenic Diet for Refractory Status Epilepticus Rochester, MN View Summary
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   Ketogenic Diet for Refractory Status Epilepticus

   Location:

   Rochester, MN

   Trial status:

   Open for Enrollment

   Why is this study being done?

   This research is being done to observe the safety, tolerability, side effects, and effectiveness of the ketogenic diet in people with continuous seizures (status epilepticus) being treated in a neurointensive care unit.

   NCT ID:

   NCT01796574

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   Who can I contact for additional information about this study?

   Rochester: Sara E. Hocker, M.D. 507-774-4741