MCFARLAND, Wis. — A team of UW Health providers received high praise for their role in an extraordinary surgery recently featured in a prestigious medical journal called “Anesthesiology,” published by the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

The 2022 surgery, which combined cutting-edge brain stimulation techniques with a musical twist, allowed a trombone player to regain his ability to perform — while playing his instrument during the procedure.

What You Need To Know

  • Brian Rust, a trombone player with intention tremors, underwent deep brain stimulation surgery at UW Health, playing his trombone during the procedure to assist doctors
  • The surgery, performed by neurosurgeon Dr. Wendell Lake, was a success and documented in the prestigious "Anesthesiology" journal
  •  Rust uses a smartphone-controlled device to control the brain implants that manage his tremors and regain his ability to play music
  • Rust said he hopes his story will raise awareness of deep brain stimulation and its benefits for tremor patients, while continuing to perform with his band

Brian Rust, a lifelong trombone player, had struggled with a hand tremor that worsened, making it difficult for him to play. It was diagnosed as an intention tremor, a rhythmic, high amplitude tremor during a directed and purposeful motor movement.

“Over time, it became more difficult,” said Rust.

Determined to keep playing music, he sought a solution through a procedure called deep brain stimulation. Electrical wires are implanted in the brain to help manage tremors and conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

What made Rust’s surgery so unique was his decision to bring his trombone into the operating room.

“One of the chief reasons why I wanted to go through the surgery is to improve my ability to play trombone,” he said. 

The procedure was done while Rust was awake, allowing doctors to see real-time improvements in his condition and monitor the way his hands were moving effectively on the trombone during the surgery.

Rust uses a smartphone-controlled app connected to the wires implanted in his brain to help regulate his tremors.

“I’ll feel tingling, just momentary tingling in my hand,” he said about using the app to stop his tremors.

Dr. Wendell Lake, the UW Health neurosurgeon who led the surgery, had a personal connection to Rust’s unusual request. A former trombone player himself, Lake was intrigued by the idea.

“I certainly have never had a patient bring a musical instrument into the operating room,” said Lake. “Of all the instruments to bring, it’s one of the larger ones. You know, it’s not a tuba, but it’s pretty large.”

Rust’s ability to play the trombone during surgery helped guide Lake through the delicate procedure. As Rust played, Lake could see how the brain stimulation improved his motor skills, allowing him to hit the correct slide positions on the trombone.

The surgery even caught the attention of late-night comedian Stephen Colbert, who joked about the unconventional operation on “The Late Show.”

Rust said he didn’t mind the media attention. He said he hopes it helps raise awareness that procedures like this are available to boost quality of life for people dealing with tremors.

“If that’s the hook that gets people to see and to wonder, ‘Wait, what? He’s playing a horn while he’s doing this thing?’” said Rust. “It doesn’t change your personality. You’re still the same person that you were.”

Rust said he’s thankful to be performing again. The musician and his band, Six O’Clock Sharp, are scheduled to play at the McFarland Community Festival this Saturday, Sept. 28. Their show benefits the Carbone Cancer Center.

Related Stories