Columbia Neurosurgery Celebrates 700th Focused Ultrasound Procedure
Led by Gordon Baltuch, MD, Columbia's focused ultrasound team marks a major milestone in advancing incisionless treatment for patients with movement disorders.
Columbia Neurosurgery is celebrating a major milestone in the treatment of movement disorders: the completion of the 700th MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) procedure through its collaborative program at NewYork-Presbyterian. The achievement was celebrated on November 3, 2026, recognizing the physicians, clinical teams, and staff whose dedication has helped establish the program as the busiest focused ultrasound center in New York State.
Gordon Baltuch, MD, a leading expert in functional neurosurgery and movement disorders at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, has played a key role in advancing focused ultrasound treatment and expanding access to innovative, incisionless procedures for patients living with essential tremor and other movement disorders.
Advancing Incisionless Treatment for Movement Disorders
MRI-guided focused ultrasound is an innovative treatment that uses precisely targeted ultrasound waves to treat specific areas deep within the brain without requiring surgical incisions or implanted devices.
During the procedure, MRI technology allows physicians to visualize the treatment area and monitor the effects of focused ultrasound in real time. This precision enables the team to target brain circuits involved in movement disorders while minimizing the impact on surrounding tissue.
For appropriately selected patients with essential tremor and certain symptoms of Parkinson's disease, focused ultrasound can provide meaningful symptom relief, helping make everyday activities such as eating, drinking, writing, and getting dressed easier and more manageable.
Unlike traditional brain surgery, focused ultrasound does not require opening the skull, and many patients can return home the same day.
Expanding Access to Advanced Movement Disorder Care
Columbia Neurosurgery's focused ultrasound program brings together expertise in functional neurosurgery, movement disorders, neuroradiology, and advanced imaging to provide comprehensive, individualized care.
Under the leadership of specialists including Dr. Baltuch, the program offers patients access to advanced treatment options when medications alone are not providing adequate symptom control.
Reaching 700 procedures reflects the team's extensive clinical experience and the growing role of focused ultrasound in treating movement disorders. As the busiest focused ultrasound center in New York State, the program continues to expand access to this technology for patients seeking alternatives to traditional surgical treatments.
Celebrating 700 Procedures and the Patients Behind Them
On November 3, the clinical team gathered to celebrate this milestone and recognize the physicians, nurses, MRI technologists, coordinators, and support staff whose collaboration and commitment have made it possible.
While 700 procedures represents an important achievement, the true significance lies in the patients who have benefited from access to innovative treatment options.
For patients living with debilitating tremor and other movement disorder symptoms, focused ultrasound offers the potential for improved function, greater independence, and a better quality of life.
As Columbia Neurosurgery continues to advance the treatment of movement disorders, Dr. Baltuch and the focused ultrasound team remain committed to delivering personalized, innovative care and helping more patients regain control over their daily lives.