MR-guided Focused Ultrasound Treatment

MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center offers a groundbreaking treatment for people suffering from Essential Tremor (ET) and Tremor-Dominant Parkinson's Disease using an incisionless method called MR-guided Focused Ultrasound.

MR-guided Focused Ultrasound uses focused sound waves guided by MRI to provide treatment deep in the brain with no incisions or permanent implants. During the procedure, thermal ablation of the ventral intermediate nucleus (Vim) of the thalamus is performed under MR imaging for visualization of patient anatomy, real-time thermometry, as well as immediate confirmation of treatment outcome.

Benefits of MR-guided Focused Ultrasound include:

• Tremor Improvement – In clinical studies, patients reported an immediate improvement in tremor which was primarily maintained at three years. 
• Incisionless – Focused ultrasound allows sound waves to pass safely through the skull with no incisions.
• Quick Recovery – With no surgical cuts, there is minimal to no risk of infection. Patients typically resume normal activities within days.

Qualification

Patients must be at least 22 years of age and evaluated by their physician following a CT scan, and definitive diagnosis of Essential Tremor or Tremor-Dominant Parkinson's Disease.

Expertise in Neurological Disorders Treatment

Leading the neurosurgical component of the MR-guided Focused Ultrasound Program at Orange Coast Medical Center is Devin K. Binder, M.D., Ph.D., a board-certified and fellowship-trained neurosurgeon. He is the most experienced MRgFUS neurosurgeon on the West Coast and started the Deep Brain Stimulation Program at Orange Coast Medical Center with world-renowned neurologist, Daniel Truong, M.D. procedures and started the DBS program at Orange Coast with world-renowned neurologist, Daniel Truong, M.D.

Insurance Coverage

MR-guided Focused Ultrasound is covered by Medicare and some major insurance plans. For more information on this treatment: