Naomi Elishuv, a 66-year-old Israeli violin teacher who made headlines in September when she played the violin while undergoing brain surgery, has returned to playing her instrument. Doctors say Elishuv is recovering impressively and they are hoping the type of device implanted in her brain will soon be used in other cases. She decided to risk the operation because she wanted to continue her career. "They have to give you warnings, as with every surgery. But I didn't want to listen. My daughter was against it. Obviously, she was scared. But I wasn't," said Elishuv. Neurosurgeon Prof. Itzhak Fried implanted two electrodes in Elishuv's brain. "The stimulation is done at a very precise point, which is about 7 centimeters deep in the brain. And, you really have to make sure that you are at the correct point. There is really no room for error here," said Fried. Elishuv said watching video of her surgery is hard because it brings back memories, but at same time, she feels amazed that medical treatment is so advanced. As a result of the surgery, Elishuv can now lead a more normal life. Besides playing the violin, she can once again accomplish tasks such as preparing food and making drinks.
Credit: Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center -- Ichilov
