CMC Vellore Launches Centre for Excellence in Neurotechnology With Vattikuti Foundation

The initiative addresses the growing clinical burden of tremor-related neurological conditions in India.

Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, in collaboration with the Vattikuti Foundation, has launched a Centre for Excellence in Neurotechnology at its Ranipet campus, commissioning advanced infrastructure aimed at expanding non-invasive treatment options for movement disorders.

The initiative addresses the growing clinical burden of tremor-related neurological conditions in India.

A key component of the newly launched Centre is the installation of an MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) system, which enables incisionless treatment for patients with essential tremors and tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease. The technology expands access to neuromodulation-based therapies without the need for open surgery.

The MRgFUS system has been donated by the Vattikuti Foundation and is manufactured by Insightec. According to the institutions, the Foundation will also support the Centre’s early operational phase, including funding for technology development, surgeon training through Vattikuti Fellowship programmes, and implementation of structured clinical research and best practices.

MR-guided Focused Ultrasound uses real-time MRI imaging to precisely target and modulate specific areas of the brain. The procedure does not require anesthesia, surgical incisions, implants, or extended recovery time. The approach is positioned as an alternative for patients who are either unwilling or unable to undergo invasive neurosurgical procedures due to medical risk, age-related concerns, or cost constraints.

The launch comes amid a rising prevalence of movement disorders in India. Estimates suggest that between four and ten million people across the country are affected by various forms of tremors, with many dependent on long-term medication to manage symptoms. Access to advanced interventional treatment options remains limited, particularly outside major urban centers.

Clinical services at the Centre will initially focus on Parkinson’s disease and essential tremors, which are currently approved indications for MRgFUS. Clinicians involved in the programme noted that the technology may have broader applications in neurological care, subject to regulatory approvals and evidence generated through clinical research.

The Vattikuti Foundation had previously launched a similar neurotechnology centre at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, in 2025. The Foundation indicated that research efforts between the two institutions are expected to be aligned to support collaborative studies and knowledge sharing in the field of functional neurosurgery and neuromodulation.

The Centre adds to CMC Vellore’s advanced neuroscience capabilities, integrating clinical care, training, and research in non-invasive neurological interventions.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News