Gamma Knife

How Gamma Knife Works

Gamma Knife surgery is a form of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) used primarily to treat brain tumors and other brain disorders. It's a non-invasive method that uses highly focused gamma rays to target and treat small to medium size lesions, usually in the brain.

  1. Principle: It involves focusing gamma radiation from multiple cobalt-60 sources on a single point.

  2. Process: Patients wear a stereotactic head frame to keep the head still. Imaging studies (like MRI or CT scans) are used to locate the treatment area. Gamma rays are then focused precisely on the target area, sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

Indications

Gamma Knife surgery is typically indicated for:

  1. Brain Tumors: Both malignant and benign, including metastases.

  2. Vascular Malformations: Like arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

  3. Functional Disorders: Such as trigeminal neuralgia.

  4. Pituitary Tumors and certain other conditions.

Methods and Techniques

  1. Imaging: Advanced imaging techniques are crucial for treatment planning.

  2. Dose Planning: Software is used to calculate the optimal radiation dose.

  3. Delivery: Precision in delivering gamma rays to the target area with minimal impact on surrounding tissue.

Advances

Recent advances include:

  1. Enhanced Imaging: Better imaging techniques for precise targeting.

  2. Dose Planning Software: More sophisticated software for accurate treatment planning.

  3. Frameless Systems: Development of frameless systems for patient comfort.

Companies Producing Gamma Knife

Several companies produce Gamma Knife systems, with Elekta being a prominent manufacturer. Other players include:

  1. Elekta: Known for their Leksell Gamma Knife.

  2. Varian Medical Systems: Although more known for linear accelerators, they also delve into radiosurgery solutions.

  3. Brainlab: Known for their innovations in stereotactic radiosurgery.

Conclusion

Gamma Knife surgery represents a significant advancement in non-invasive brain surgery, offering a highly effective treatment option with minimal side effects. Continuous innovations in imaging, software, and equipment are enhancing its efficacy and broadening its applications.