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Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Tou Hmong Khang, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rhode Island
BME 281 First Presentation, November 18, 2015 <[email protected]> Abstract—Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) is a
noninvasive surgery that is used when tradition methods of brain surgery are not ideal. The method is used to treat cancerous and non-cancerous tumors and other abnormalities within the brain. The device uses a combination of gamma radiation and stereotactic devices for high precision to treat such cases.
I. INTRODUCTION
amma Knife Radiosurgery, also known as Stereotactic Radiosurgery, is a noninvasive type of surgery usually used in an outpatient type of
background because the surgery usually doesn’t last more than a few minutes to a few hours and the patient can leave after the surgery is completed. The concept was first introduced in the 1950s by Swedish professors Borje Larsson and Lars Leksell but was abandon due to its complexity and cost until 1967 where the first Gamma Knife was constructed [1]. The specific unit covered here will be the Leksell Gamma Knife unit. This device is used to treat benign tumors and malignant tumors along with lesions within the brain by significantly decreasing the damage done to the surrounding healthy tissues of the targeted area and significantly reducing recovery time of patients.
II. METHOD
The method used by the Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is combining photon beams with stereotactic devices capable of pinpointing targets of interest within the brain. The first
Gamma Knife device was constructed using cobalt-60 as the radiation source [1]. The general process includes mounting a frame to the head of the patient to stabilize and prevent movement of the head during surgery and a radiation dose planning after a CT or MRI scan. After the treatment plan is determined, the patient is place on the sliding bed of the Gamma Knife Unit and is positioned within the
shielded barrier. The duration of the surgery depends on the size and type of target within the region lasting a few minutes up to possibly a few hours.
III. RESULTS By administering controlled doses
of gamma radiation to the targeted structure, for example, a tumor, the radiation disrupts the DNA of the tumor and causes it to not be able to replicate resulting in a decrease in the size of the tumor over time. After the surgery, most patients will be able to leave the hospital and resume normal activities. The following figure to the right is a before and after image of a 75-year-old female patient with Acoustic Neuroma causing her to lose hearing in her left ear. The patient went through the GKRS and you can see that the benign tumor, over time, had decreased by more than 80 percent of its original size [2].
IV. DISCUSSION
In conclusion, the Gamma Knife Radiosurgery provides a safer and noninvasive way of treatment for patients who suffer from lesions, brain tumors and brain cancer than traditional brain surgery. The side affects and drawbacks are so minimal and rare, such as brain swelling, nausea and vomiting, that they can be treated with medication prescribed by the doctor. The implementation of this technology to other parts of the body would greatly improve its usefulness. The only other drawbacks are that the volume at which this device covers is very limited and for severe cases where the patient needs immediate attention, the long term affect of GKRS will not be considered. Never the less, GKRS is still a great alternative to traditional brain surgery given that the patient is on a reasonable time constraint. REFERENCES [1] The Gamma Knife: A Technical Overview. (2015, November 14).
<http://www.medicine.virginia.edu/clinical/departments/neurosurgery/gammaknife/overview-page>.
[2] Taban, A. (2015, November 14). A gamma knife case study: Acoustic Neuroma <http://drashertaban.com/services-case-studies.php>.
[3] Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. (2015, November 15). <http://www.columbianeurosurgery.org/conditions/gamma-knife-radiosurgery/>
[4] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015, November 14). Brain Stereotactic Radiosurgery. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/brain-stereotactic-radiosurgery/basics/definition/prc-20014760>
[5] Niranjan, A. (2015, November 14) Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: Current Technique. <http://www.wfns.org/pages/read_the_reviews/97.php?rid=52>
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[6] Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. (2015, November 14). <http://www.columbianeurosurgery.org/conditions/gamma-knife-radiosurgery/>
