Gamma Knife® Radiosurgery: Minimally Invasive, Exceptionally Effective

NOHC maintains one of the region's most advanced stereotactic radiosurgery devices, the Gamma Knife. Actually an incision-free surgical technology that uses precise radiation beams rather than scalpels, the Gamma Knife's unique radiosurgery capabilities are effective for the following clinical conditions:

• Acoustic neuromas
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
• Benign brain tumors
• Malignant primary brain tumors
• Metastatic brain tumors
• Trigeminal Neuralgia

Physicians at Neurologic & Orthopedic Hospital of Chicago are some of the most experienced physicians in the country in selecting and treating patients with Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Their 16 years of cumulative experience, treating more than 2,300 cases, makes them uniquely qualified to take on even the most challenging cases. Following is a break down of Gamma Knife radiosurgery experience, by clinical category:

One of the cornerstones of the Gamma Knife program at NOHC, is the weekly multidisciplinary Gamma Knife case conference. All patients who are being considered for Gamma Knife treatment are discussed in this meeting, which is attended by:

 

—Neurosurgeons

—Radiation oncologist(s)

—Radiation physicist(s)

—Neuroradiologist(s)

—Neurosurgical nurse

 

Gamma Knife radiosurgery may serve as a patient's primary treatment option or be used in conjunction with conventional surgery, endovascular treatment, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. In most cases, patients with prior radiation therapy treatment may still undergo Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Treatment is virtually painless, with little procedural discomfort or postoperative recovery pain.

 

FDA-approved and touting a 15-year track record, the Gamma Knife has been documented in more than 1,000 peer-reviewed journal articles; its clinical efficacy is well established. Worldwide, nearly 250,000 patients have been treated with the Gamma Knife and, as a result, this treatment option has gained acceptance as the premiere choice of radiosurgical devices.

 

The Gamma Knife's dose-planning software, as directed by the clinical team, ensures that only abnormal tissue is treated with a precise dose of radiation.

Due to this accuracy, healthy, normal tissue around the targeted lesion or malformation is not harmed, thus making the procedure safe for the patient. In addition, because there is no incision, there is little risk of infection and/or complication due to blood loss. For most adult patients, Gamma Knife radiosurgery does not require general anesthesia, which further reduces risks and allows for treatment of patients who are unable to tolerate anesthesia due to other health concerns.

 

New medical research and clinical trials are exploring the potential for using the Gamma Knife to treat Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.

Learn more about stereotactic radiosurgery.

 

Call 773-250-0500 to schedule an initial consultation with an NOHC Physician for Gamma Knife radiosurgery.

© The Gamma Knife® is a registered trademark of Elekta Corp.