(TheIndependentStar.com) – Helping doctors refine a procedure designed to stop his severe hand tremors, a musician pretended to play his trombone during brain surgery at Wisconsin’s UW Health.
At the same time, an anesthesiologist said that she never thought she would see anything like that.
Watch the video below.
Lifelong trombone player Brian Rust had been dealing with worsening tremors that not only interfered with his ability to play music but also affected simple tasks like holding his grandchild.
Rust had been diagnosed with an intention tremor, a condition that progressively worsened until medication and therapy no longer helped.
Moreover, his last option was deep brain stimulation, where electrodes are implanted in the brain to disrupt the signals causing his tremors.
Led by neurosurgeon Dr. Wendell Lake, the surgery required Rust to stay awake so doctors could ensure proper electrode placement.
“We need them to be alert so we can ask them to do certain movements to ensure we are placing the wires where they need to be,” said Dr. Lake.
Rust suggested using his trombone to monitor his hand movements. While he could not actually play during the surgery, going through the motions provided crucial feedback.
“During the procedure, the entire OR staff was gathered around to see Brian ‘playing’ his instrument,” anesthesiologist Dr. Whitney Fallahian said. “I never thought I’d see anything like that.”
As the doctors made adjustments, Rust’s hands became steadier, showing the procedure was working.
In addition, Rust now controls the stimulator through a device implanted in his chest, which allows him to switch between normal daily activities and playing his trombone.
He is back to performing and hopes his story inspires others with tremors to seek out similar treatments.
“There are options out there to keep enjoying the things you love,” Rust said.
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