Feasibility Study on LITT for Medical Refractory Epilepsy

Feasibility Study on Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy Ablation for the Treatment of Medical Refractory Epilepsy (FLARE)

Multicenter, open-label, prospective designed study to characterize the performance of brain laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) ablation using the Monteris NeuroBlate System for the treatment of drug-refractory medial temporal lobe epilepsy in subjects who are candidates for LITT surgery.

Monteris is sponsoring this multicenter, open-label, prospective feasibility study to characterize the performance of laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) using the Monteris NeuroBlate System for the treatment of drug-refractory medial temporal lobe epilepsy in subjects who are candidates for LITT surgery. The NeuroBlate System uses precise, high-intensity laser light to initiate necrosis of abnormal brain tissue through thermal ablation while limiting injury to healthy tissue. Unlike traditional brain surgery, LITT does not require a large opening in the skull. Subjects who meet the study eligibility criteria and sign the informed consent form will undergo the LITT procedure. Subjects, or their caregivers, are required to keep a seizure diary throughout the study, beginning after surgery. The study will monitor and record subjects' seizure frequency, antiepileptic medications, and physical and emotional health. Subjects treated with NeuroBlate will have 2 years of follow-up. Throughout study participation, the study investigator will continuously monitor and document both effectiveness and safety data at study appointments.

This is a single arm study. All eligible study subjects will undergo LITT with the NeuroBlate System.

Characterize adverse events experienced in medial temporal lobe epilepsy subjects undergoing LITT using the NeuroBlate System. Adverse events will be collected based on subject reports and subject examination/testing.

Characterize changes to neuropsychological functioning experienced in medial temporal lobe epilepsy subjects undergoing LITT using the NeuroBlate System. Descriptive statistics (via neuropsychological assessment tools) will be reported for the measured score at baseline and each follow-up visit.

Characterize changes in seizure frequency experienced in medial temporal lobe epilepsy subjects undergoing LITT using the NeuroBlate System by utilizing patient diary to evaluate seizure occurrences.

Characterize the Engel and ILAE surgical outcome classification in medial temporal lobe epilepsy subjects undergoing LITT using the NeuroBlate System. Classifications will be determined by the Investigator.

Characterize the changes in quality of life in subjects with medical temporal lobe epilepsy undergoing LITT using the NeuroBlate System. Quality of life will be measured using the QOLIE-31 questionnaire.

Relevant Inclusion Criteria are listed below Diagnosis of unilateral medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) confirmed clinically and with either (1) ictal scalp recording and MRI evidence of mesial temporal sclerosis or (2) intracranial ictal onset consistent with hippocampal origin Averages 1 or more complex partial seizures or secondary generalized seizures compatible with MTLE per month On stable antiepileptic medications Meets the criteria for a medial temporal lobe resection and is a candidate for LITT 18 years or older at the time of consent Relevant Exclusion Criteria are listed below Previous diagnosis of psychogenic/non-epileptic seizures Previous diagnosis of primary generalized seizures IQ less than 70 Subject has a MRI-incompatible implanted electronic device or any metallic prosthesis or implant for which brain MRI is contraindicated