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Information for Referring Physicians
Treatment Conditions
The University of Pittsburgh Center for Image-Guided Neurosurgery, a world pioneer in Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, cites the following conditions treated by Gamma Knife surgery:
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Brain tumors (acoustic neuromas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, and other tumors of the skull base and brain
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Primary or recurrent malignant brain tumors such as astrocytomas or oligodendrogliomas
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Pain conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia
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Movement disorders such as tremor
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Treatment-resistant epilepsy
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Cancer that has spread to the brain
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Deep-seated tumors or AVMs
System Description
Ionizing radiation is obtained from 201 cobalt-60 sources arranged in a hemispherical pattern and embedded within the shielded, dome-shaped radiation unit. The beams of gamma radiation that emanate from the cobalt sources coincide at a fixed focal point within the radiation unit. The delivered dose is shaped to the precise contour of the target by a combination of shots using different collimator sizes and plugs.
During irradiation there are no moving parts within the Gamma Knife; therefore, safety, stability, and accuracy are inherent features.
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The Stereotactic System®
Detailed diagnostic images of the head of the patient form the basis for treatment planning. These can be obtained by employing one or more imaging techniques: magnetic resonance, computerized tomography, or angiography of the relevant anatomy.
As part of the imaging process, it is essential to provide exact points of reference so the shape and position of the targets can be ascertained with respect to the patient’s skull. Moreover, during the following radiosurgery session, the head of the patient must be entirely immobilized to maintain the accuracy of the treatment.
Components of the Stereotactic System are used for these purposes and are thus an integral part of the Gamma Knife concept. They are the Leksell Coordinate Frame, which provides spatial references and immobilizes the patient’s head, and MRI, CT, or AI indicators, which impose reference fiducials during image acquisition.
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The GammaPlan® 4C
The Leksell GammaPlan 4C is an integrated computer system for the planning and implementation of stereotactic radiosurgery. The planning is based on the dimensions, shape, and location of the target defined from stereotactic MRI, CT, and AI images. The images are then processed and analyzed to obtain the correct treatment protocol for the patient.
The algorithms embedded within the GammaPlan 4C provide accurate calculations that support the treatment planning phase.
Treatment
The treatment includes couch movements and distribution of the radiation dose. All actions are controlled from the operator console and the associated supervisory system. A TV and intercom provide direct audiovisual communication between the patient and the operator.
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Patient Care
The Referral Process
You may refer patients by calling the Gamma Knife Center at 541-984-4266 or 866-914-2662. We will schedule appointments with the appropriate specialist on the Gamma Knife team. Our team of neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, nurses, and technicians unite to provide the best possible clinical experience for your patients.
Patient Flow
During the initial consultations, the radiation oncologist and/or neurosurgeon will conduct evaluations, review patient films, and discuss the procedure. This is typically done the day before the Gamma Knife surgery. However, in certain cases, the consultation could occur earlier or on the same day of surgery, depending on the patient’s needs.
Patients can expect a half-day stay at Sacred Heart Medical Center, even though the actual procedure may be much shorter. Because the surgical procedure requires an early morning start, our concierge staff will be happy to arrange overnight accommodations for out-of-town patients and their accompanying family members.
Guest Services
Patients are welcomed to their own spacious, private rooms in the Gamma Knife Center, a renovated spa-like environment at Sacred Heart. Each room is equipped with family-oriented accommodations and entertainment, including private bathrooms, flat-panel TVs with DVD players, stereo, and light refreshments.
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