In June, Insightec made news when Medicare extended benefit coverage in 10 U.S. states for MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) for the treatment of essential tremor. Six more states will follow on July 1, 2018, the company said in a statement at the time, adding that other Medicare administrative contractors have issued positive draft local coverage determinations, which could bring the total to 38 states.

"The decision from these Medicare Administrative Contractors to cover Insightec's MRgFUS essential tremor treatment is a welcome recognition of the clinical and economic benefits of incisionless brain surgery for people living with essential tremor," said Ferré, who added that, "by formalizing insurance coverage, Medicare is expanding access to focused ultrasound for many more patients and physicians."


And in February, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute (VTCRI) announced that it would become the first nonclinical research environment to use the Exablate Neuro, paired with Siemens MR imaging, to explore possible treatments for brain cancers and psychiatric disorders.

"We share a common vision, a culture of discovery and openness, and a commitment to study and develop scientifically validated technological innovations, to treat patients with otherwise untreatable brain disorders," Michael Friedlander, VTCRI executive director and Virginia Tech's vice president for health sciences and technology, said in a statement at the time.

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