 Gamma Knife
How We Help
A Non-Invasive Alternative The Gamma Knife is an effective,
non-invasive alternative to traditional brain surgery. This highly
sophisticated technology precisely directs focused radiation to
specific targets in the brain. Typically performed in a single
outpatient treatment session without general anesthesia, this proven
technique helps patients avoid incision, scarring, and long hospital
stays while minimizing surgical complications. For many conditions,
Gamma Knife treatment is the most accurate form of stereotactic
radiosurgery treatment available. See the
FAQs for more detailed information about the Gamma Knife.
Conditions treated with the Gamma Knife include:
Candidates for Gamma Knife Treatment
Brain tumors and vascular disorders account for the majority of
radiosurgical procedures today. Gamma knife is able to treat these
disorders in the frequent times they occur in the brain. The Gamma
Knife is effective in controlling tumor growth and hemorrhaging from
vascular malformations and targets lesions so exactly that the risk
of harming healthy tissue is minimized. In certain cases, Gamma
Knife treatment may serve as an adjunct to standard neurosurgical
therapy or as the preferred course of treatment when further
traditional therapy is not recommended.
Gamma Knife treatment is often the preferred alternative for
patients who are not candidates for conventional neurosurgery or
radiation therapy. It also may be recommended as an additional
therapy for individuals who have already undergone surgery or
radiation and require further treatment.
The Gamma Knife may also be recommended for patients with the
following conditions:
-
Tumors or vascular malformations that are surgically
inaccessible
-
Risk factors that make surgery inadvisable
-
Need for an additional dose of radiation following conventional
radiation therapy
-
Recurrent tumors
-
Facial pain
Our multidisciplinary team (including neurosurgeons, radiation
oncologists, medical physicists, neuroradiologists, oncologists,
neurologists, and nurses) evaluates each patient to determine
whether Gamma Knife treatment is the best option. The patient's
medical history is reviewed, along with imaging studies and
information provided by the patient's physician. If Gamma Knife
treatment is not considered appropriate, the team will suggest an
alternate treatment option. |
