Gamma Knife - Procedure

Because all Gamma Knife® units are similar in design and manufacture, the procedures related to its use in each of the equiped medical facilities are about the same. Elekta Corporation has prepared an informative web site which describes the design of the Leksell Gamma Knife® in good detail as well as the general procedures for fixing the stereotactic frame, imaging and computerized treatment planning.

The patient is normally admitted early in the day of the treatment, undergoes the treatment and can then be discharged within 1 hour of the treatment.

At the USC Gamma Knife® Unit, the patient is typically seen in consultation by Dr. Petrovich and either Dr. Apuzzo or Dr. Giannotta. A joint treatment decision is made. Dr. Petrovich will then review the preliminary CT or MRI scans with Dr. Yu and Dr. Zee to discuss "targeting".

The Gamma Knife® patient is admitted to the USC Gamma Knife® Unit on a "short-stay surgery" or "single-day" basis at USC University Hospital. To keep the patient comfortable throughout the procedure, Dr. Zelman or Dr. Bayat will administer sedatives. The stereotactic frame is attached to the head and the imaging for MRI field-setting is performed. After its completion, the MRI images are downloaded to the Leksell GammaPlan® system. Dr. Zee will then re-confirm the location of the lesion for Dr. Apuzzo or Dr. Giannotta and Dr. Petrovich, allowing Dr. Yu to commence preparing the treatment plan. Upon generating the final Gamma Knife® radiotherapy treatment plan and with the approval of Dr. Petrovich, the Gamma Knife treatment is initiated.

About 98% of patients treated with the Gamma Knife® are discharged home within 1 hour of the procedure. The remaining 2% of patients will be discharged the following morning.