Leksell Gamma KnifeÆ
What is the Gamma Knife?
This technologically advanced, multimillion dollar, 20-ton machine allows surgeons to operate on abnormal areas of the brain such as tumors or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with radiation instead of invasive scalpels. This procedure is called radiosurgery. The Gamma Knife uses 201 gamma rays directed by highly sophisticated computer technology to destroy targeted regions while sparing the tissue surrounding the tumor or brain disorder because the individual beams are too weak to damage normal tissue. Patients do not experience pain and often may resume their usual lifestyle the day after treatment.

Which patients can benefit from radiosurgery?
Patients with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
Patients with benign tumors (acoustic neuromas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas or tumors at the skull base or pineal region)
Patients whose advanced age or poor medical condition places them at an unacceptable high risk for anesthesia and conventional surgery
Patients whose lesions are in an inaccessible or functionally critical area within the brain
Carefully selected patients with movement disorders, such as Parkinsonís disease, essential tremor, patients with intractable pain, such as trigeminal neuralgia and disseminated carcinoma, and those with medically intractable epilepsy.
How does the Gamma Knife Work?
It is a completely non-invasive procedure. The Gamma Knife causes the gamma radiation emitted from 201 sources of cobalt-60 to converge precisely on and destroy a tumor, blood vessel abnormality (AVM) or other abnormal brain tissue with a 0.1 mm accuracy through a specially placed helmet. When our computer technology and the Gamma Knife precisely focus 201 beams, the targeted abnormality is destroyed.

How does radiosurgery differ from conventional surgery?
Gamma Knife radiosurgery differs from conventional neurosurgery in several ways. No incision or cut is made, the patientís head is not shaved and the treatment is virtually painless. Adult patients do not require general anesthesia: only local anesthesia to place the guided frame and a mild sedative are administered. The patient is hospitalized only overnight and normally patients can resume their usual activities the next day which makes it more cost effective than conventional surgery for patients and their insurance companies, since patients can return almost immediately to work or other activities. The risks of surgical complications, such as those from general anesthesia, infection or bleeding are practically eliminated. There are no scars and there is less psychological trauma for the patient.

The referring physician
The referring physician is an active partner in the treatment process. A multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, radiation oncologists, neuroradiologists, medical physicists, nurses and computer specialists reviews each patientís case. All treatment, follow-up, progress and patient outcome studies are done in conjunction with the patientís referring physician.


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