Chronic pain sufferers in the Algoma region now have access to a groundbreaking new treatment: the Neurolyser XR HIFU system

Pain sufferers in the Algoma Region will now have the option of non-invasive pain management through the local pain clinic.

Sault Area Hospital is now home to the Neurolyser XR High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) system — a non-invasive system most commonly used to treat spinal arthritis and other chronic pain conditions.

This option offers long-lasting relief and shorter recovery times, allowing more patients to access care locally while avoiding invasive procedures or prolonged treatment cycles.

Patients are eligible for this treatment with a referral from their primary care provider.

For more information, see the press release below. 

Sault Area Hospital (SAH) is proud to announce the arrival of the Neurolyser XR High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) system, a ground breaking advancement in pain management now available through the SAH Pain Clinic.

This non-invasive technology is most commonly used to treat spinal arthritis and other chronic pain conditions. It offers long-lasting relief and shorter recovery times, allowing more patients to access care locally and avoid invasive procedures or prolonged treatment cycles. Patients are eligible for this treatment with a referral from their primary care provider.

The acquisition of this technology was driven by the clinical leadership of Dr. Kevin Smith and Dr. Michael Gofeld, Locum Physicians in Interventional Pain Medicine at the SAH Pain Clinic, who have successfully used the Neurolyser XR HIFU system in their own practice since January 2025.

This initiative was made possible through the generous support of the Sault Area Hospital Foundation, whose commitment to funding transformative medical technologies continues to enhance patient care and access to innovation in the region.

QUOTES

“This is a proud moment — being able to offer a novel, non-invasive treatment to a greatly underserved community is deeply meaningful work. In my line of work, treatment typically involves needles and invasive procedures that require healing and recovery. Now, with the Neurolyser XR HIFU system, we’re able to achieve the same — if not better — patient outcomes without those burdens.”

·         Dr. Kevin Smith, Locum Physician, Sault Area Hospital – Interventional Pain Medicine Clinic  

“The target population for this treatment is primarily older adults living with chronic pain caused by spinal arthritis. This non-invasive option offers a longer efficacy window and gives patients the opportunity to regain a more active lifestyle. Our goal is always to improve day-to-day comfort and overall quality of life. With this technology, we’re now able to do that more effectively, safely, and for a broader group of patients than ever before.”

·         Dr. Michael Gofeld, Locum Physician, Sault Area Hospital – Interventional Pain Medicine Clinic

“The integration of the Neurolyser XR HIFU system into our Pain Management Clinic marks a major innovation for Sault Area Hospital. We’re demonstrating our commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and improving access to advanced care for the Algoma region.”

·         Dr. Stephen Smith, Vice President, Medical Affairs

“Providing the best possible care at Sault Area Hospital means investing in the tools and technology that continues to advance treatment and services available. Sault Area Hospital Foundation is proud to play a pivotal role in funding this critical equipment, and is grateful to thousands of donors each year who make it possible for us to meet the needs of our hospital and community.”

·         Teresa Martone, Executive Director, Sault Area Hospital Foundation

“The Neurolyser XR High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) system redefines the treatment approach for pain management indications— transforming an invasive procedure to a completely non-invasive approach, using focused ultrasound and reducing the patient’s trauma and anxiety while enhancing clinical outcome.”

·         Dr. Arik Hananel, CEO of FUSMobile.