University of Maryland to Become Major Focused Ultrasound Neuroscience Research Center

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Patients from Across the Country Participating in Essential Tremor Trial

UMD Team_bright
Left to Right: InSightec’s Mor Dyan, Charlene Aldrich, Howard Eisenberg, Deeraj Ghandi, Paul Fishman, Andy Hebel, Erma Owens, and Pamela Janocha”

The University of Maryland’s pioneering Neuroscience Center in Baltimore is poised to become a leading hub for focused ultrasound research. They recently began treating patients in the pivotal trial to treat essential tremor using InSightec’s Exablate Neuro system.

“Our entire movement disorders team of neurologists, neuroradiologists, and surgeons is enthusiastic about participating in this groundbreaking research,” says Dr. Howard Eisenberg, Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine. “We believe that focused ultrasound will be an important part of our neurosurgical program and a valued solution for patients seeking relief for their tremor.”

There is significant interest in the study at the University of Maryland, with several patients enrolled to date and more than 30 from around the country that have contacted the center in the past few months. “Most of the patients that have approached us have done their homework on focused ultrasound. They want a noninvasive treatment and are willing to participate in a clinical trial to advance the development of the technology,” notes Dr. Eisenberg.

The team at Maryland is on the forefront of focused ultrasound research on both the clinical and preclinical fronts. They plan to participate in a Parkinson’s clinical trial soon. Dr. Graeme Woodworth, Director of Neurosurgical Oncology at UMD, is conducting preclinical research using focused ultrasound to enhance the delivery of drugs to tumors.

“We are delighted that the world-class University of Maryland neuroscience team is helping to lead the research effort. Professionals across the field as well as patients will ultimately benefit from their dedication to science and advancing clinical care.” –Foundation Chairman Neal F. Kassell, MD