Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Foundation

Over the past 10 years, Sunnybrook has become a world leader in focused ultrasound research. It is the first to combine MRI with focused ultrasound with microbubbles to open specific parts of the blood-brain barrier. This remarkable achievement marks the beginning of an era where therapies can be delivered painlessly to the brain. Dr. Hynynen’s research team is now nearing completion of the prototype for a new generation of focused ultrasound device. This new technology has moved from a one-size-fits-all format to one that is customized for each patient. This makes the device even more effective for treatments as it precisely targets the brain site to be treated for each individual. This new prototype is designed so that it does not need to be paired with the MRI to monitor treatment, reducing its cost and making it portable. The device will be available for distribution to physician’s offices or various clinics to provide treatment to a larger number of patients.

Gift granted in March 2020
$300,000/60 months
Project: Applied research – Focused ultrasounds