The Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator is a unique modality for precise tissue removal which results in increased visibility, reduced bleeding, and shorter operating time when dealing with vascular lesions or organs.
Mutations in the gene for the enzymes superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) or copper zinc superoxide dismutase have been found in approximately 15-20 percent of the familial cases of ALS. Some quick math shows, then, that approximately 1 to 2 percent of all cases of ALS involve this particular gene mutation.
By analyzing brain tissue from patients with ALS or FTD, Dr. Petrucelli and his team discovered that the abnormal protein, which they call C9RANT, is generated as a result of repeat expansions of nucleotides in the noncoding region of the C9ORF72 gene. These expansions are the most common cause of ALS and FTD.