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Focused ultrasound is an early-stage, non-invasive and incision-free therapeutic technology with the potential to transform the treatment of many medical disorders, by using ultrasonic energy to target tissue deep in the body without incisions or radiation.
Focused ultrasound is the pairing of two innovative technologies:
Watch this video on our new approach to treat essential tremor using MRgFUS.
With focused ultrasound, an acoustic lens is used to concentrate multiple intersecting beams of ultrasound on a target deep in the body with extreme precision and accuracy. Depending on the design of the lens and the ultrasound parameters, the target can be as small as 1x1.5mm or as large as 10x16mm in diameter.
The fundamental principle is equivalent to using a magnifying glass to focus beams of sunlight on a single point to burn a hole in a leaf. Where each of the individual beams passes through the tissue, there is no effect. But, at the focal point, the convergence of the multiple beams of focused ultrasound energy results in many important biological effects, creating the possibility of treating a variety of medical disorders.
Read more about the FDA’s approval of focused ultrasound for essential tremor.
If you are interested in focused ultrasound for tremor, it is important to note:
We currently only offer this service at our main campus, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115. Click here for directions.
Our surgeons, as part of work with a multidisciplinary team of physician specialists to create an individualized treatment plan for each patient in order to provide the best possible treatment. The multidisciplinary team includes specialists in neurosurgery, neuro-radiology, neuro-physiology and neurology.
Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery
In early 2020, Brigham and Women’s Hospital became the first site in the United States to treat 100 patients (outside of a clinical trial) with focused ultrasound (FUS).
Brigham and Women’s Hospital provides a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, collaborating with colleagues in other medical specialties. If your surgeon discovers an underlying illness or concern, you will be referred to an appropriate BWH physician specialist for an expert evaluation.
The Department of Neurosurgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital is a pioneer in neuroscience and is dedicated to the research of neurological disorders. Learn more about our current clinical trials.
A Look at the New, Non-invasive Treatment for Essential Tremor
Radio Health Journal | April 3, 2022
Grateful Patient, Portrait Artist Presents Painting to Brigham Neurosurgeon
Brigham Bulletin | September 1, 2021
Procedure at Brigham and Women's Hospital Gives Essential Tremor Sufferers Steadiness in Dominant Hand
WCVB | October 20, 2020
An operation that makes grown men cry
Our American Stories | December, 2019
A cutting-edge brain surgery for tremor, without the cutting
Boston Globe | November 27, 2019
Focused Ultrasound Recognized as a Top Emerging Technology with Potential to Revolutionize Neurologic Care
Focused Ultrasound Foundation | May, 2016
Focused Brain Ultrasound Offers Some Help for Essential Tremor
STAT News | August 24, 2016
MRI-guided focused ultrasound effective to treat essential tremor
Science Daily | August 24, 2016
A Randomized Trial of Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy for Essential Tremor
The New England Journal of Medicine| August 25, 2016
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