Key is to capture medical tech at the right time and make it cost-effective

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is set to inaugurate on Wednesday a new facility for advanced neurotechnology in collaboration with the Vattikuti Foundation.

- Binayak Dasgupta

At the heart of the initiative will be the MRgFUS (Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound) system, a non-invasive treatment technology that combines real-time MRI imaging with precise ultrasound targeting for neurological conditions. The technology has the potential to treat a range of conditions, from Parkinsonian tremors to addiction.

In a wide-ranging conversation with HT, Dr Mahendra Bhandari, CEO of the Vattikuti Foundation, discusses the avenues of treatment the new centre opens up, the foundation's journey in making advanced medical technologies accessible to Indians, and the need to maintain global standards of care and scientific rigor.

Could you tell us about the new technology that the Vattikuti Foundation is bringing to AIIMS?

We're introducing a revolutionary focused ultrasound technology that represents a significant advancement in non-invasive treatment. The equipment combines two components: a real-time MRI imaging system—not just static MRI pictures—coupled with high-energy ultrasound that can target with nanometer precision. What makes this particularly remarkable is that it's completely non-invasive; patients simply wear a helmet during the procedure, require no anesthesia, and the entire treatment takes about an hour and a half.

Tell us a little bit more about how it works?

MRgFUS works through precise localization and targeting. The real-time MRI provides continuous imaging during the procedure, while the high-energy ultrasound can be focused with incredible precision to target specific areas of the brain. One of the most innovative aspects is the development of a low-frequency fragment that's reversible. This means we can test a target area, and if the treatment doesn't work or causes any issues, it can be reversed before making permanent changes.

What conditions can this technology help treat?