Lehigh Valley Fleming Neuroscience Institute First in Region to Offer Incisionless Focused Ultrasound Procedure for Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s Disease

Lehigh Valley Fleming Neuroscience Institute, now part of Jefferson Health, has introduced focused ultrasound treatment for patients with medication-resistant essential tremor and disabling Parkinson’s disease symptoms. As the first facility in the region to offer this innovative procedure, treatments are available at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, one of only two locations in Pennsylvania providing this therapy. Five patients have already undergone the procedure. “This technology offers exciting opportunities for our neurosurgery team and allows us to deliver cutting-edge care to our patients,” said Dr. Steven Lewis, Physician in Chief of Lehigh Valley Fleming Neuroscience Institute. The non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to target and remove deep brain areas without incisions or burr holes. Guided by MRI, the procedure ensures precise targeting, real-time temperature monitoring, and immediate outcome confirmation. Many patients experience significant tremor relief with minimal complications after just one session. Functional neurosurgeons work alongside movement disorder specialists to provide this care, with plans for additional support from Jefferson Health’s Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center. Dr. Robert Rosenwasser, CEO of Jefferson Health’s Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, praised the partnership, saying, “This treatment reflects our shared dedication to advancing therapeutic interventions and research.”