Kirloskar Technologies Launches

Mumbai Jan 15, 2010: With the launch of ExAblate 2000 in India by Kirloskar Technologies, a leading provider of high technology life saving devices, the treatment of Uterine Fibroids amongst Indian women receives a huge boost.  The Non Invasive Magnetic Resonance guided Ultrasound surgery machine (MRgFUS) reduces chances of infertility and offers significant advantages over the existing treatments.  The new Technology will help women reduce the risk of removal of uterus, which is very high in case of surgeries.

With the first ExAblate 2000 installed at Jaslok Mumbai, it would be the first hospital in India to offer this treatment to patients. This major technology development in the healthcare industry is expected to be a boon to the medical fraternity  and specially to the women who currently undergo a rigorous procedure in the treatment for uterine fibroids. Study says that 20 to 40% of women age 35 and older have uterine fibroid of a significant size with Indian women being  at a far higher risk for fibroids  with as many as 50 % having  fibroids of various sizes. 

Discussing during the launch of this new equipment in India Dr W.M Gedroyc, Medical Director, MRU, St Mary’s Hospital, London said “ It is important to properly identify and successfully treat patients with uterine fibroids and one of the primary objectives of KTPL & Insightec is to create awareness about this disease not only amidst the patients/end beneficiaries but also within the medical practitioners “ One of the prominent highlights of this treatment system is that it does not require any anesthesia or hospitalization for the patient. Hence women suffering from this disease do not have to undergo the painful trauma of surgery. 

Commenting on the uniqueness of ExAblate 2000 Mr. Amardeep Sethi, CEO Kirloskar Technologies said, “Uterine fibroids result in more in-patient hospital days than AIDS, breast cancer, dementia, etc. It is estimated that women lose 5-10 million work days annually because of this. In addition to this the recovery stage of a woman post-surgery is the most crucial. In such circumstances the use of ExAblate 2000 turns out to be a much easier and comfortable method compared with current invasive treatment options“.

ExAblate 2000 is a way forward to a new phase of Fibroid surgery in India.  The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approve this equipment in Oct 2004.

Some facts on Uterine Fibroids 

• Uterine Fibroids occur in every four to five women 
• Uterine Fibroids also known as uterine leimyomata are the most common non cancerous tumors in women of childbearing age.
• Women who are obese or overweight have a slightly higher risk for developing uterine fibroids than women of normal weight
• Generally occurs in women between 30’s to 40’s 
• In India it is found that this disease is common between the age group of 21-30 – 30% & 30+ is 30% 

Additional applications of ExAblate 2000 under investigation are for Brain tumors, Liver tumors, Breast cancer, Prostate cancer, and Bone metastases.

Speaking on the occasion, Roni Yagel, V.P Insightec Ltd remarked “Insightec is pleased to associate itself with Kirloskar Technologies who are leaders in the marketing of Cancer Therapy machines.  Our breakthrough technology product ExAblate 2000 is sure to create a positive impact on the health and productivity of Indian women.”

Col. M. Masand, CEO Jaslok Hospital said, “ I am happy that we have pioneered the use of ExAblate 2000 in Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai.”

Dr. Srinivas Desai explained,  “ The technology used in ExAblate 2000 replaces scalpels to provide surgical benefits without scars, incisions, hospitalization and long recovery time.  I am sure with the introduction of ExAblate 2000, there will be a lot of value addition in treatment of Fibroids and cancer”

Dr. Rishma Pai, Hon. Consultant Jaslok Hospital, informed, “ Every second Indian women has Uterine fibroid affecting their health and productivity.  In majority cases removal of uterus was the only solution leading to a long post-recovery time. Moreover, in many instances uterus has been required to be used again, so we must respect the importance of uterus and not remove it until essential. ExAblate 2000 offers a trouble free, comfortable and quick non-invasive treatment, which is very encouraging.”

About KTPL

Kirloskar Technologies is one of the leading suppliers of high-tech medical equipments in India. It is part of the 100 year old multi –billion dollar Kirloskar Group. With over 250 installations in 175 major government hospitals, medical colleges and private hospitals, the KTPL is the largest player in the Radio Therapy market. 

About Insightec

InSightec Ltd. developed ExAblate 2000, a product that integrates magnetic resonance imaging with focused ultrasound energy as a treatment modality for patients with serious diseases. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Tirat Carmel, Israel with an additional office in Dallas, Texas.