From Pathfinder to Patient: Focused Ultrasound Pioneer Benefits from Technology He Developed
Jacob “Kobi” Vortman, PhD, played a central role in the development and commercialization of focused ultrasound technology. Now, in a unique turn of events, he has become a patient himself — benefiting from the very innovation he helped bring to life. This profile highlights his career contributions and shares reflections from his family on his recent treatment experience.
As the founder of Insightec, Dr. Vortman dedicated more than 25 years to the development and commercialization of focused ultrasound technology. When he retired last year, he was vice chairman of the board of directors.
Earlier in his career, when Dr. Vortman was president of Elbit Medical Imaging, he was responsible for initiating the company’s proprietary MR-guided focused ultrasound technology from its inception. It was this technology that launched Insightec in 1999 as part of a joint effort by Elbit and GE Healthcare.
“Kobi’s vision that focused ultrasound has the potential to transform the lives of millions was very controversial in the early years,” recalls Eyal Zadicario, PhD, who joined the team in 1999 and today is the chief operating officer at Insightec. “Kobi recognized very early on two concepts that were the foundation of the company’s breakthrough. One was the real-time intraoperative feedback, to ensure targeting and proper delivery of the therapy. The second was putting full control of the therapy in the hands of the treating physician for clinical decision making as is commonly practiced in open surgery.”
This vision led Insightec to be the industry leader in advancing focused ultrasound for many disorders, and this is in large part due to Dr. Vortman’s vision, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit. In 2004, the company’s Exablate system was the first focused ultrasound device to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of uterine fibroids. More advanced versions of the system have been approved for use on patients with essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease and have shown promise for treating bone metastases, prostate cancer, glioblastoma, arthritis, depression, neuropathic pain, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more. The company recently launched the latest iteration, Exablate Prime.
Dr. Vortman has contributed to 18 approved patents and 13 patent applications. He also received the Foundation’s inaugural Commercialization Pathfinder Award in 2022.
After dedicating his career to advancing focused ultrasound for countless patients worldwide, Dr. Vortman himself benefited from the technology when he underwent the treatment for Parkinson’s disease last year.
We recently spoke with his sons, Davidi and Yoni, about their father’s diagnosis, treatment, and what they hope the future holds for the technology.
When did Kobi’s symptoms start?
He had noticeable tremors for a long time, but we all thought it was essential tremor. About 6 years ago though, the tremors worsened, and we began to notice a change in his body posture. He also found it increasingly challenging to focus during conversations.
When was he diagnosed?
He received his diagnosis a little more than three years ago, coincidentally it was on the same day that the US Food and Drug Administration approved focused ultrasound to treat Parkinson’s disease. He remained extremely dedicated to advancing the technology to patients, and he worked up until last year despite his worsening symptoms.
Were there any hobbies that he had to stop doing?
Many. He stopped mountain biking and jogging. I also remember the last time that we went skiing with him. He used to be a good skier, and suddenly, it became clear he could not ski.
Did he pursue any other treatment options first?
For many years he tried medications, but they were marginally effective. As a patient, you follow the doctor’s recommendations, even though he developed this technology. We were fortunate that his physician, Dr. Lior Lev-Tov at Rambam Hospital, is interested in trying new, innovative treatments. We all hoped that the answer would be focused ultrasound.
When did he have focused ultrasound treatment?
He was treated about six months ago.
What was your impression of his mood going into treatment?
He was proud and excited, but he was a little nervous. It wasn’t easy for him to be the patient because he was always on the other side of the treatment.
Davidi, you were there for the treatment. What was your reaction?
I was amazed by how immediate the results were. I held his leg during the treatment, and I could feel when the tremor stopped. It was amazing.
How did focused ultrasound impact his symptoms?
The treatment greatly reduced the motor symptoms associated with the Parkinson’s. He had much less tremors and stiffness, which led to an improvement in his posture and how far he can walk. He now walks 2 km at a time, which wasn’t possible before treatment.
What do you think was the most surprising thing about being a patient after so many years being on the commercialization side of things?
It’s humbling, and I think it gave him perspective on what the technology can do for people. When he was building the machine, I don’t think he ever thought that it would be something that could one day help him.
Dr. Zadicario adds, “Knowing Kobi, as he was coming out of the machine, he had many ideas of what needs to be improved and done better.”
Did his experience as a patient impact his views on the technology?
We know he was very proud. He always knew this could be a revolutionary treatment. The vision was there from day one, and this was just a full circle moment. The experience of witnessing the impact focused ultrasound had on people’s lives is great and humbling, but it did not change any views.
What advice do you have for other patients and their families who are considering focused ultrasound?
The focused ultrasound worked well to control his tremors. However, at that time, the tremors were not the most debilitating symptom of the disease. I wish that we had pursued focused ultrasound earlier, so that he could have enjoyed more time being tremor free before challenges in cognition became prominent. I encourage patients to ask about focused ultrasound sooner and seek out doctors who will think outside the box. It is also my hope that physicians will start to recommend the treatment earlier, so patients can have better quality of life as soon as possible. I hope the Foundation can help communicate these needs with the physicians, because time is not always in the patient’s favor.
All patient stories featured on the Focused Ultrasound Foundation’s website are personal accounts of an individual’s experience with focused ultrasound treatment. Please be aware that each patient’s situation is unique, and outcomes may vary. The information provided in this story should not be considered as medical advice or a guarantee of specific results. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your condition and determine the best treatment options for you. The Focused Ultrasound Foundation does not endorse any specific treatment or medical procedure and encourages all patients to seek professional medical guidance tailored to their individual needs.