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SightLine Health Now Offers Noninvasive Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Dallas

Innovative MRgFUS procedure destroys fibroids but not uterus.

DALLAS, May 14, 2007—A new noninvasive, radiation-free procedure to treat uterine fibroids is now available to North Texas patients through SightLine Health. SightLine’s clinic is the only Dallas-area facility performing MR-guided focused ultrasound ablation (MRgFUS), a state-of-the-art, nonsurgical treatment that uses ultrasound energy.

“The gynecologists, radiologists and support staff at our new Dallas clinic have decades of experience in diagnostic technologies, ultrasound and women’s health,” said TJ Farnsworth, chairman and CEO of SightLine. “That experience means each of our patients receives comfortable, efficient and professional care.”

Physicians affiliated with SightLine’s North Dallas clinic include Phyllis J. Gee, M.D., a board-certified OB-GYN who was the first gynecologist in the United States to perform MRgFUS procedures. Dr. Gee recently participated in a research project determining that newer MRgFUS treatment protocols are more effective than older, more conservative protocols at relieving uterine fibroid symptoms. She presented her findings in a poster presentation May 8 at the 55th Annual Clinical Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in San Diego. Dr. Gee reviewed data from eight treatment sites including the North Texas Uterine Fibroid Institute, SightLine’s Houston Clinic, Harvard-affiliated Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and the Mayo Clinic.

Fibroids are abnormal growths within the muscles of the uterus. Although benign, fibroids often cause symptoms such as painful, heavy menstrual periods, constipation and lower back pain. They also can cause miscarriages or premature labor. Between 20 and 40 percent of women older than 35 have uterine fibroids, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

During an MRgFUS procedure, the patient is placed in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit on a table outfitted with an ultrasound machine. Using the MRI to visualize the fibroids, a physician focuses the ultrasound waves onto them. This heats and destroys the fibroid cells. The procedure involves very little discomfort, and the patient can maintain constant communication with the physician performing the procedure.

The outpatient MRgFUS procedure takes only a few hours, and patients may return to normal activities within a day or two. By contrast, some common treatments for uterine fibroids require hospital stays and long recoveries. And, because it does not involve surgery, MRgFUS does not pose risks associated with infection or blood loss.

“Our patients are women who studied their treatment options and felt most comfortable with MRgFUS,” Farnsworth said. “In their initial consultations, they expressed concerns about other methods and, after their procedures, they have told us how pleased they were with the comfort and ease of the process.”

SightLine’s newest clinic is located at 1111 Raintree Circle, Suite 100, in Allen, Texas. SightLine took over the facility, Farnsworth added, which was previously known as ExAblate of Dallas.

Also, in honor of upcoming Mother’s Day and Women’s Health Week (May 13–19, 2007), SightLine Health invites women suffering from the bleeding, anemia and abdominal pain associated with uterine fibroids to seek consultations and find out if the procedure is right for them.

SightLine representatives are available to answer questions about the procedure at 888-4FIBROID (434-2764). Patients interested in a consultation should call for an appointment.

About SightLine Health
SightLine Health’s sole specialization is MRgFUS treatment for uterine fibroids. SightLine operates a series of clinics in the United States that use ExAblate, the only FDA-approved MRgFUS equipment. SightLine employs dedicated radiologists and gynecologists with decades of knowledge in female health and MRI and ultrasound technology. For more information on the procedure and on SightLine Health, visit the company on the Web at www.sightlinehealth.com.

About National Women’s Health Week
National Women’s Health Week is an initiative led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. During the week, families, health organizations, businesses, communities, the government and individuals come together to raise awareness about women’s health issues and educate women about simple steps they can take for longer, healthier and happier lives. The theme for National Women’s Health Week 2007 is “It’s Your Time: Pamper Your Mind, Body and Spirit.”

National Women’s Health Week kicks off on Mother’s Day, May 13, and will be celebrated until May 19. National Women’s Check-up Day—when women across the country are urged to visit their doctors—will be May 14, 2007. For more information about National Women’s Health Week, please visit www.womenshealth.gov/whw.

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