Gamma knife surgery also known as the stereotactic radio-surgery is used to treat brain disorders such as brain tumors and arteriovenous malformations. This operation is a form of non-invasive treatment for patients who can not undergo the surgery. This technology was initially developed by the Swedish neurosurgeon, Lars Leskell in 1967 at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. The unit contains approximately 201 gamma cobalt-60 source of approximately 30 curies, which is located in a very shielded in an assembly in a circular pattern. The device emits radiation in a goal in the brains of patients. The victims are to wear a special helmet (which is attached to a surgery of the brain) so that the brain tumor remains stationary in the direction of light rays. There is almost no effect on the surrounding tissue and the majority of patients return home within an hour of operation.

After setting the context, the patient receives a CT, MRI, CT or angiography. The data is then transferred to the state of the art of planning, the treatment team to adapt the radiation dose to conform more precisely the volume of the lesion. After completing the treatment plan, the patient is placed on the bank and a knife collimator helmet is placed over the patient’s head. Then, the patient is treated with the 201 sources of cobalt 60 housed in the Gamma Knife. Approximately 202 doses of gamma radiation coming into the target area, enough for the malignant and benign brain tumors!

Gamma rays can be used to treat any part of the brain and this technology is very useful for the purpose at the base or bottom of the brain that can not be achieved by conventional open surgery! In addition, cutting combines data from the computer in three dimensions and imaging studies is well defined, low risk and cost-effective. This technology is very cheap in comparison with a long hospitalization, antibiotic treatment and rehabilitation.

The word “gamma knife” is actually an illusion, because it contains no cuts and no incision, and advanced / dedication instrument for curing brain tumors. To date, more than 150,000 patients have been treated throughout the world and no deaths have been reported yet! Although this technology is in use for over three decades, but he climbed over the past five years. The Leksell centers has increased by almost 175 percent in the United States and the number of patients cured by nearly 250 percent.

So you can see that the Gamma Knife technology is truly effective and has saved thousands of lives around the world. As technologies continue to grow, we will soon be a world free of disease.