Man Plays Trombone During Brain Surgery

Brian Rust, a professional trombone player from a family of trombone players, was diagnosed with an intention tremor. A CNN affiliate in Madison, Wisconsin reports that treatment involved placing wires in his brain to stimulate areas of it. The patient must be awake during this kind of surgery so that he can respond to tests as the device is implanted.

With the permission of his neurologist, Rust brought his trombone into the operating room and played it (or at least manipulated the slide) as part of the tests. Now Rust is able to turn the device on and off and maintain greater muscular control.

-via Dave Barry