The Leksell Gamma Knife® is a sophisticated instrument that pinpoints and delivers precise beams of radiation to tumors and other brain abnormalities. This surgery-free process is exceptionally effective at reducing or eliminating brain tumors, blood vessel abnormalities, functional disorders and other conditions, offering a noninvasive alternative to open brain surgery that eliminates the risk of surgical complications. The Gamma Knife enables neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists to accurately target areas in the brain and to treat previously inoperable conditions.
In early 2016, Sutter Health became the first in the nation to use the next-generation Leksell Gamma Knife® Icon™ system. The Gamma Knife Icon is the most accurate stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) system currently available. The sixth-generation system delivers precise targeting, which lowers radiation to surrounding brain tissue. Its novel high-definition motion management feature eliminates the need for an immobilization frame in many cases, instead allowing patients to wear a comfortable mask that conforms to each individual’s face and head shape.
Benefits of Gamma Knife surgery include:
- Surgery free, safe and effective treatment.
- Does not require cutting or shaving your hair.
- Treatment is silent and totally painless.
- Patients typically go home immediately after the treatment.
- Patients should be able to return to their normal routines the following day.
- Provides lower complication rates than open surgery.
- Cost-effective and reimbursed by most insurance companies.
Since the Sutter Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Center opened in 1998, we have treated more than 2,000 children and adults. Gamma Knife has more published clinical evidence in support of its effectiveness and outcomes for more conditions than any other type of stereotactic radiosurgery. Conditions treated include:
- Acoustic neuromas
- Astrocytomas
- Epilepsy
- Essential Tremors
- Glioblastomas
- Hemangioblastoma
- Meningiomas
- Brain Tumors (Primary and Metastatic)
- Pediatric Tumors
- Pituitary Tumors
- Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET)
- Schwannomas
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Vestibular Schwannoma