For 78-year-old Catherine Klie, daily tasks that most people take for granted had long been a struggle. Tremors, a hereditary condition that began affecting her in her 20s, made it difficult for her to do simple activities like applying makeup, using a curling iron, or even holding a glass of water. “It’s all those small things that you don’t really think about, that you can’t do,” Klie explained.
A Groundbreaking Procedure
On September 29, 2025, Klie underwent a revolutionary incisionless brain procedure at Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center, performed by neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Munyon. The surgery, part of the Mint Hill facility’s world-leading program, used high-energy, MRI-guided focused ultrasound to target misfiring circuits in the brain and reduce tremors—without making a single incision. Klie became the 709th patient to undergo this minimally invasive procedure, following the center’s milestone of 700 surgeries in August.
How the Surgery Works
Focused ultrasound works by sending high-energy sound waves from all around the head to a single focal point inside the brain. This energy creates a tiny, controlled lesion that interrupts the faulty circuits causing tremors. Unlike Deep Brain Stimulation, which involves implanting wires and electrical stimulation, this approach is less invasive, safer, and more convenient.
During the procedure, Klie’s head was secured with a holder and cooled with a water membrane, which Dr. Munyon humorously called “the alien abduction experience.” Throughout the surgery, she remained awake and was tested in real time by tracing spirals and straight lines, allowing the team to verify improvements in her hand control.
Immediate Results and Life-Changing Impact
After the hour-long procedure, Klie noticed an immediate difference. She could hold a cup steadily, write more clearly, and perform tasks that had been impossible for years. “It’s been years since I had a hand like that… it feels strange not to shake,” she said. Her husband, Tim, also noticed the impact: “Even the things you take casually, like reaching for a fork, we don’t think about. But for her, it’s a chore.”
A Personal Motivation
Klie traveled about two hours from Columbia, South Carolina, to Mint Hill for the surgery. Motivated by family members who also experience tremors—including her 17-year-old grandson and a nephew who had to drop out of architecture school—she wanted to demonstrate that effective treatment is possible. Prior to surgery, medications offered only temporary relief with unwanted side effects.
Looking Forward
As reported by medicalxpress, the procedure has given Klie renewed independence and confidence. She plans to return for her left hand in a few months and looks forward to participating fully in family events, including her grandchild’s wedding. She also hopes to dedicate more time to volunteering for the homeless, something she had struggled to do due to tremors.
Transforming Lives Through Innovation
Dr. Munyon highlighted the procedure’s broader impact: “Patients start to see what they can do again—painting, writing, cooking, or simply enjoying social activities without embarrassment.” The incisionless brain surgery at Novant Health Mint Hill represents a life-changing advancement for patients with tremors, restoring both function and confidence while reducing the need for invasive interventions.