HN Summary

• World-First Innovation: Sault Area Hospital (SAH) is the first hospital globally to integrate the Neurolyser XR High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) system into a clinical setting—offering a non-invasive, needle-free, and radiation-free treatment for chronic pain through precise thermal ablation of targeted nerves.

• Clinical Impact: The Neurolyser XR HIFU system delivers rapid pain relief—often within 30 minutes—and allows same-day recovery, enabling timely adjustments in treatment plans and improving safety by eliminating radiation exposure.

•Leadership and Collaboration: Championed by Drs. Kevin Smith and Michael Gofeld, whose research led to Health Canada approval, this integration—supported by the Sault Area Hospital Foundation—demonstrates SAH’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and advancing quality of life for patients in the Algoma region.

Sault Area Hospital (SAH) has become the first hospital in the world to integrate the Neurolyser XR High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) system into a clinical setting, marking a significant milestone in chronic pain management and hospital-based innovation. This initiative reflects SAH’s leadership in redesigning care for underserved populations and advancing clinical practice through technology. 

The Neurolyser XR HIFU system utilizes focused ultrasound energy to thermally ablate targeted peripheral nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. The procedure is performed under precise imaging guidance, combining X-ray and optical navigation to ensure accurate localization of the treatment site. Ultrasound beams are converged through intact skin—similar to the focal point created by a magnifying glass—delivering therapeutic heat to the nerve tissue without the need for needles, incisions or radiation exposure. 

One of the most compelling clinical benefits is the rapid onset of pain relief, with some patients reporting significant improvement within 30 minutes post-treatment. Additionally, the short recovery time allows most individuals to resume daily activities the same day. The Neurolyser XR HIFU system also facilitates timely evaluation of treatment efficacy; if no relief is observed within seven days, clinicians can promptly adjust the pain management strategy. 

This technology also improves safety by reducing radiation exposure during treatment, making it a more accessible and effective option for a wider range of patients. SAH’s adoption of the Neurolyser XR HIFU system underscores its commitment to expanding access to advanced care and driving innovation in hospital-based pain management. 

This transformative technology was championed by locum Physicians Dr. Kevin Smith and Dr. Michael Gofeld, whose clinical experience with the Neurolyser XR HIFU system in private practice since January 2025 demonstrated its effectiveness. The method was introduced in Canada by Dr. Kevin Smith and Dr. Michael Gofeld, who conducted pivotal studies that led to Health Canada’s approval of the treatment. Their research included both preclinical and clinical trials, which confirmed the superb safety profile of the Neurolyser XR HIFU system and demonstrated its superior effectiveness compared to traditional radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Their advocacy through SAH’s Physician Recruitment and Retention program was instrumental in acquiring the system, with additional support from the Sault Area Hospital Foundation, making it possible to integrate this technology into a hospital setting for the first time in the world.

“This is a proud moment — being able to offer a novel, non-invasive treatment to a greatly underserviced community is deeply meaningful work,” said Dr. Smith. “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. This is a transformative step forward, setting a new standard for how we treat chronic pain conditions in a hospital setting.” 

Dr. Gofeld emphasized the broader impact: “Many of the patients we see with chronic spinal arthritis are older adults who face significant limitations in their daily lives due to persistent pain. This new treatment option is non-invasive, offers extended relief, and helps patients return to a more active lifestyle without the burden of long recovery times. It’s a meaningful advancement in how we support comfort and mobility for this population.” 

The integration of the Neurolyser XR HIFU system into the SAH Pain Clinic is more than a technological milestone — it is a reflection of Sault Area Hospital’s unwavering commitment to its mission of exceptional people working together to provide outstanding care in Algoma. By pioneering this world-first hospital-based application of a transformative pain management technology, SAH continues to fulfill its vision of being a trusted partner in delivering outstanding care. This advancement not only elevates the standard of treatment for chronic pain but also reinforces the hospital’s dedication to innovation, accessibility, and improving the quality of life for the communities it serves.

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

Felicia Clement works in communications at The Sault Hospital.