Focused Ultrasound

At Haynes Neurosurgical Group, we are proud to offer the latest advancements in neurosurgical treatments, such as the innovative focused ultrasound. 

Focused ultrasound is a non-invasive, precise, and effective treatment option that uses ultrasound waves to target and treat various neurological conditions. We offer our patients deep expertise supported by advanced technologies to provide them with the best possible outcomes for their treatment. 

Focused ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to treat various neurological conditions. This state-of-the-art medical technology uses the power of ultrasound waves to treat specific areas of the brain with precision. 

Unlike traditional surgical methods that require incisions and direct access to the treatment area, focused ultrasound delivers precise energy to the targeted region without the need for any surgical intervention. 

Focused ultrasound enables highly accurate and controlled treatment delivery by focusing ultrasound waves on a target point. This helps minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue. 

Different types of focused ultrasound techniques are used in neurosurgery, each with unique characteristics and applications. The main types of focused ultrasound include the following.

MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) combines the precision of focused ultrasound with real-time MRI imaging. 

This advanced technique allows neurosurgeons to visualize the treatment area in real-time.  This technique ensures accurate targeting and monitoring of the procedure. 

Conditions Treated

MRgFUS is commonly used for the treatment of essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, and neuropathic pain. The precision offered by MRgFUS makes it a viable alternative to surgical resection or radiation therapy for treating benign and malignant tumors. 

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a powerful form of focused ultrasound that delivers concentrated energy to heat and destroy targeted tissue. 

Conditions Treated

In neurosurgery, HIFU is often utilized for the treatment of brain tumors, including glioblastomas and metastatic brain tumors. HIFU can also be employed in the treatment of certain movement disorders.

HIFU provides a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery, reducing the risk of complications and enabling faster recovery.

Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LOFU) is a gentle form of focused ultrasound used for therapeutic purposes without causing significant heating or tissue destruction. 

Conditions Treated

LOFU has shown promise in the treatment of neurological conditions, such as neuropathic pain, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

During the procedure, the patient lies on a treatment table, and an ultrasound transducer is positioned on the scalp. The transducer emits focused sound waves that pass through the skin and skull without causing damage. 

These sound waves connect at a specific focal point within the brain, where they generate thermal or mechanical effects depending on the treatment objective. 

Advanced imaging through MRI or real-time ultrasound guidance makes it possible to focus the ultrasound energy precisely on the target area. These imaging technologies provide real-time visualization of the treatment area, helping our experts monitor and adjust the treatment as needed.

The focused ultrasound energy can be used to:

• Destroy abnormal tissue
• Ablate tumors
• Stimulate specific brain regions 

The non-invasive nature of focused ultrasound eliminates the need for incisions. It lowers the risk of complications and promotes faster recovery compared to traditional surgical procedures.

Focused ultrasound offers numerous advantages for patients seeking neurosurgical treatments:

• Focused ultrasound eliminates the need for traditional open surgery, reducing the risk of complications and shortening recovery time.
• By precisely targeting the treatment area, focused ultrasound minimizes damage to surrounding healthy brain tissue, resulting in better outcomes and fewer side effects.
• With MRI-guided focused ultrasound, our neurosurgeons can visualize the treatment area in real-time, ensuring accurate treatment delivery and monitoring.
• Focused ultrasound procedures have a lower risk compared to traditional surgery, with fewer chances of infection, bleeding, or other surgical complications.
• Focused ultrasound treatments typically have shorter recovery times, so patients can resume their normal activities sooner.

Haynes Neurosurgery Group operates at the forefront of neurosurgical innovation by offering patients the latest and most sophisticated treatment options like focused ultrasound.

Our seasoned neurosurgeons use highly advanced technologies and employ a patient-centric ethos at Alabama’s premiere neurosurgical practice.

To schedule a consultation with one of our experts, call us at (205) 787-8676 or request an appointment online.