In a major leap for non-invasive neurological treatments, AIIMS, Delhi, in partnership with the Vattikuti Foundation, has introduced the state-of-the-art Insightec
MR-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) system. This advanced technology uses MRI-guided ultrasound waves to precisely target affected brain regions, offering a promising alternative for treating Parkinson’s disease, essential tremors, and potentially epilepsy, neuropathic pain, OCD, and even facilitating enhanced drug delivery via blood–brain barrier modulation.
The donation includes five years of service support and will be accompanied by an intensive six-month training program under the leadership of Dr. Sarat Chandra, ensuring that the team of neurologists at AIIMS is well-equipped to deploy this breakthrough treatment. The system, already FDA-approved for essential tremors and Parkinsonian tremors, is set to make high-quality care more accessible at government hospital.
At a recent symposium titled “Transforming Neuroscience: MR-Guided HIFU – A Game Changer,” leading experts from India and the United States discussed the immense potential of this technology. Reflecting on the initiative, Mahendra Bhandari, CEO of the Vattikuti Foundation, stated,
"We are at the forefront of a medical revolution with focused ultrasound technology. The treatment from this equipment in private hospitals typically costs around ₹20 lakh per patient, making accessibility a challenge. Our foundation aims to subsidize treatments at AIIMS, reducing patient costs to ₹5 lakh. We are also seeking funding from other institutions to further research and expand non-invasive treatment options."
The integration of MR-Guided HIFU at AIIMS marks a pivotal advancement in neurosurgical care, promising improved patient outcomes and expanded treatment possibilities for complex neurological conditions.
