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Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
The Gamma Knife® was invented by a Swedish neurosurgeon named Lars Leksell. Dr. Leksell also coined the term stereotactic radiosurgery. In 1989 CINN became the third institution in the United States to purchase a Gamma Knife®. More recently, CINN purchased a second Gamma Knife®. Neurosurgeons at CINN have treated over 2,700 patients with stereotactic radiosurgery.
The
Gamma Knife® is a high-precision radiation delivery
system that uses 201 radioactive cobalt sources focused
on a single center point. It resembles a 20-ton helmet
with a bed attached to the front.
A typical treatment with the Gamma Knife®:
- Early morning admission to the hospital.
- Placement of the head frame. This is rigidly attached to the head using pins placed with local anesthetic.
- Imaging. This can consist of CT scan, MRI scan or angiogram. These are sometimes used in combination.
- Treatment planning. This is performed using a dedicated computer workstation with specialized software.
- Treatment. The length of time depends on the extent of treatment prescribed. During this time, the previously placed head frame is attached to the treatment table. The patient will see the linac rotate around his/her head and hear the movement of the collimator leaves.
- Frame removal. A painless procedure. After removal, the patient returns to his/her room.