Columbia Neurosurgery Expands Parkinson’s Treatment Options with New Bilateral PTT Focused Ultrasound Procedure
Columbia Neurosurgery is expanding advanced treatment options for patients with Parkinson’s disease through the introduction of bilateral pallidothalamic tractotomy (PTT) using focused ultrasound, a new incisionless procedure performed by Gordon Baltuch, MD.
This innovative treatment uses MRI-guided focused ultrasound to precisely target the pallidothalamic tract, a brain pathway involved in tremor and motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. By creating a highly targeted lesion without incisions, implants, or general anesthesia, bilateral PTT offers an important new option for carefully selected patients seeking symptom relief.
A New Incisionless Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease
Focused ultrasound continues to transform the field of functional neurosurgery, providing patients with a noninvasive alternative to traditional surgical procedures such as deep brain stimulation.
With bilateral PTT, Dr. Baltuch is now able to address tremor symptoms on both sides of the body in appropriate Parkinson’s patients—expanding the possibilities of incisionless movement disorder care.
The procedure is designed to:
- reduce Parkinson’s tremor symptoms
- improve motor control
- avoid implanted hardware
- minimize recovery time
- allow patients to return home quickly
Several bilateral PTT procedures have already been performed successfully at Columbia, all with excellent procedural outcomes.
Global Interest in Columbia’s Focused Ultrasound Program
The introduction of bilateral PTT has already attracted international patient interest, with one recent patient traveling from overseas to receive treatment from Dr. Baltuch at Columbia.
This growing demand reflects Columbia Neurosurgery’s reputation as a leader in Parkinson’s disease surgery, focused ultrasound, and movement disorders care.
Leadership in Parkinson’s Innovation
Dr. Baltuch is internationally recognized for his expertise in deep brain stimulation, focused ultrasound, and advanced surgical treatment for Parkinson’s disease and tremor disorders.
The addition of bilateral PTT further strengthens Columbia’s leadership in developing less invasive, precision-based treatment options that improve quality of life for patients living with movement disorders.
As focused ultrasound technology continues to evolve, Columbia Neurosurgery remains at the forefront of bringing the latest evidence-based innovations to patients.
