How is Gamma Knife surgery performed?
The Gamma Knife® Center at Saint Joseph’s Hospital was designed to be both welcoming and efficient. Located on the ground floor at the hospital, it is self-contained except for the imaging procedure.
Step 1:
The first step is affixing a stereotactic head frame to the patient. Using a local anesthetic, the frame is attached with four small screws. The frame allows the doctor to accurately pinpoint the target area, and it also prevents head movement during imaging and treatment.
Step 2:
Once the frame is attached, the patient is imaged using standard equipment such as MRI or CT scans to determine the exact size, shape and position of the target in the brain.
Step 3:
Using the newly acquired images, the team develops a very precise and accurate treatment plan to meet the patient’s specific needs. This computer-assisted process may take an hour or more, during which time the patient rests with the frame still in place.
Step 4:
Once the plan is complete, treatment begins. The head frame is attached to the Gamma Knife® helmet. The process is silent and painless, and the patient remains awake. The treatment may last a few minutes to more than an hour, depending on the shape and complexity of the target.
Step 5:
Once treatment is complete, the head frame is removed and the doctor decides if the patient can go home immediately or needs to remain overnight for observation. Normal activities can usually be resumed in 24 to 48 hours.
Click here to learn more about your treatment day.
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca O. Heitkam, RN, BSN, CCRN, coordinator
Gamma Knife Center
Saint Joseph's Hospital
678-843-5513
or toll free at 1-866-SJGAMMA
or email
rheitkam@sjha.org
