Nearly half of the global Parkinson's patients are in China. The uncontrollable tremors caused by the condition have a huge impact on daily life. Finding effective treatments to alleviate tremor symptoms and return to a normal life is a pressing concern for both patients and their families.

The "Magnetic Wave Knife" technology is a new generation of treatment for Parkinson's disease that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is also known as the "Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound Brain Treatment System." The device looks similar to an MRI machine, and patients simply lie down, just like during an MRI scan, to receive treatment. This technology marks a significant leap from invasive to non-invasive procedures.

What is the Magnetic Wave Knife?

Despite the name "knife," the Magnetic Wave Knife therapy does not require brain surgery, nor does it involve any implants.

The brain "Magnetic Wave Knife" treatment system has been approved by regulatory authorities in Europe, the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, China, and other countries and regions. It has been used clinically in over a hundred renowned medical institutions worldwide, providing safe and non-invasive brain surgeries for tens of thousands of patients with neurological diseases.

Magnetic Wave Knife Treatment Process

Working Principle of the Magnetic Wave Knife

This treatment system combines focused ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It first uses MRI to precisely locate the treatment target, then employs high-intensity focused ultrasound to ablate the lesion and achieve therapeutic effects.

　　

Helmet-type ultrasound transducer

• The phased-array ultrasound transducer has more than 1,000 ultrasound elements
• High-order focusing algorithm
• Adjusted according to the patient's skull to ensure precise ultrasound focus
• Accurate target positioning
• Precise control of the size (2-5mm) and location (<1mm) of the ablation target

Advantages of the Magnetic Wave Knife:

 

Compared to traditional brain surgeries, the advantages of the Brain Magnetic Wave Knife are primarily reflected in:

1. Non-invasive
   1. No incision required
   2. No implants
   3. No general anesthesia needed
2. Safety
   1. Utilizes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to accurately locate the treatment target and precisely control the size (2-5mm) and position (<1mm) of the ablation target
   2. Real-time thermal feedback with continuous monitoring of the target temperature ensures patient safety
   3. No risk of infection
   4. The incidence of severe adverse reactions is much lower than that of traditional brain surgeries
3. Efficiency
   1. Outpatient treatment, with the procedure taking only 2-3 hours
   2. Effective after a single treatment
   3. Immediate improvement in tremor symptoms
   4. Short recovery time post-treatment

　　

Which types of patients are suitable for the Magnetic Wave Knife?

The Brain "Magnetic Wave Knife" technology has been approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in China for clinical treatment of essential tremor or Parkinson's disease. In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the indications to include patients with advanced Parkinson's disease suffering from movement disorders, muscle rigidity, or dyskinesia.

Currently, in clinical practice, the Magnetic Wave Knife is mainly used for drug-resistant essential tremor and Parkinson's disease with tremors as the primary symptom. Tremor symptoms typically manifest as uncontrollable hand shaking in daily life, such as being unable to properly use chopsticks to pick up food, trembling hands when pouring water or drinking, etc.

Beijing GoBroad Hospital, as the seventh hospital in China to introduce the Magnetic Wave Knife treatment, has opened the Brain "Magnetic Wave Knife" treatment service, providing a new treatment option for patients with drug-resistant essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease.

Since each individual's physical condition may vary, it is recommended that patients visit the Neurosurgery outpatient department at Beijing GoBroad Hospital for a professional evaluation by the doctor to determine if they are suitable for the Magnetic Wave Knife treatment.

　

Magnetic Wave Knife Treatment Consultation Guide

1. Pre-consultation Preparation

To facilitate the consultation, it is recommended to prepare relevant information about your condition in advance to help the doctor communicate and make a diagnosis, ensuring a smoother consultation. Please refer to the following points and document them in writing.① Record the progression of your condition and current symptoms.

• 1. How did the tremors start? (e.g., suddenly, gradually, etc.)
  2. The earliest site of the symptoms and the trend of development?
  3. Are the tremor symptoms different when resting versus during movement?
  4. How long do the tremors usually last?
  5. Are the tremors affected by stress, alcohol, or other factors?

② Have you used any treatments or measures to alleviate tremor symptoms? If yes, list all of them.

③ Provide a family medical history. Does anyone in your family have tremors or other neurological disorders?

④ The impact of tremors on your daily life and psychological well-being.

⑤ Any other questions or concerns you wish to ask the doctor.

　

2. Appointment Registration

Beijing GoBroad Hospital has introduced the "Magnetic Wave Knife" for clinical treatment of essential tremor or Parkinson's disease. The Magnetic Wave Knife surgery is a non-invasive procedure with advantages such as no need for craniotomy, no implants, low risk, and faster recovery after the procedure. To make an appointment, please visit the Neurosurgery outpatient clinic. There are three ways to book an appointment:

① Phone appointment: 400-696-2000

② Mini-program appointment: Scan the QR code to enter the "GoBroad Health" mini-program

③ WeChat appointment: Scan the QR code to add the official customer service WeChat

 

3. Consultation

Bring all necessary documents (including your personal health insurance card, past medical records, or recent examination reports) and arrive at the hospital in advance on the day of your scheduled appointment. If you have any questions, feel free to add the assistant's WeChat for consultation.

Beijing GoBroad Hospital's neurosurgery expert team has already provided Magnetic Wave Knife treatment for several patients with essential tremor and Parkinson's disease with tremor as the main symptom. These patients have quickly returned to normal life after surgery, with significant results and high praise from patients.

(Source: Magnetic Wave Knife Care Platform)