Breaking the Sound Barrier
When Dr. Neal Kassell first envisioned a future for focused ultrasound two decades ago, it was just that—a vision. Today, that vision has materialized into a transformative medical technology with the potential to reshape healthcare. “It’s not just about treating diseases,” Kassell says. “It’s about redefining what’s possible for patients.”
Focused ultrasound is a non-invasive technology that uses precisely targeted ultrasonic energy to treat tissue deep within the body without incisions, radiation, or damage to surrounding areas. Kassell, a neurosurgeon turned innovator, is the founder and chairman of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation. The organization’s mission, he explains, is simple: “To accelerate the development and adoption of the technology. Saving time means saving lives.”
Focused ultrasound has already made waves in treating essential tremor, a neurological disorder that affects millions. “We took it from an idea—a glimmer of hope—to a treatment that has transformed the lives of over 20,000 patients,” Kassell says. “For these individuals, many of whom had been struggling with debilitating tremors for years, the results are nothing short of miraculous. Patients go into the machine unable to write their name or hold a cup of coffee, and within hours, they walk out with their lives restored. It’s a privilege to witness that kind of impact.”
The technology’s versatility astounds even Kassell. With more than 180 clinical indications in various stages of development, it is being explored for treating everything from Alzheimer’s to cancer. As focused ultrasound gains traction, Kassell’s vision feels increasingly within reach. “We’re not just improving lives,” he says. “We’re redefining what’s possible in medicine.”